Two Key Eagles ‘Questionable’ For Seahawks Game

Zach Ertz and Jordan Matthews. (USA Today Sports)

Zach Ertz and Jordan Matthews will both be listed as “questionable” on the Eagles’ injury report this week for their game against the Seahawks on Sunday. Matthews had back spasms in the weight room on Tuesday, while Ertz experienced tightness in his hamstring during practice on Wednesday.

Matthews didn’t practice on Wednesday and was limited on Thursday, while Ertz was limited on Wednesday and didn’t participate on Thursday. Both, however, will practice on Friday before the team leaves for Seattle. Ertz reportedly “sounded confident he’d play Sunday,” but Matthews has not addressed this media this week.

Special teams contributor and backup defensive back Terrence Brooks is the only other Eagle expected to be on the injury report, as he will miss the game due to a hamstring injury. Practice squad wide receiver Paul Turner, however, will make the trip to Seattle in case Matthews is unable to play.

When the Birds practice Friday morning, they will return to the indoor practice bubble to help prepare for the noise in Seattle’s stadium. According to Pederson, both Jason Peters and Halapoulivaati Vaitai committed false starts when they pumped in the noise on Thursday afternoon. (Peters is tied for the NFL lead in false start penalties with five.)

This week is the first time the Eagles have used the indoor facility twice because of preparation for noise as they hope to communicate and use their silent snap count better on the road.

“It’s harder from the individual groups to get some work done individually and the equipment and all that coming inside, but you give up something to get something. We’re trying to work on the noise and it’s a lot easier to do indoors,” Pederson said. “Even though this is an outdoor stadium, it’s still a very loud place to play. It’s a sacrifice you make, but it’s a valuable one preparing your team for what they’re about to face.”