Head coach Doug Pederson met with the media for the final time on Friday morning before the Eagles take on the Chicago Bears on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. The big question for this Week 9 matchup is the status of DeSean Jackson (abdomen), who has practiced in a limited role all week.
"I'm optimistic that he'll play," Pederson said about Jackson being ready for the Bears game. "We're going to get through today. He's had a great week of practice. He's been limited on the injury report all week, so we'll get through today and tomorrow. We're optimistic that he can play."
Along with Jackson, defensive tackle Tim Jernigan is making strides toward being ready for gameday. Jernigan sustained a foot injury during the Week 2 matchup against Atlanta. He only participated in 26 snaps, accounting for 39 percent of playing time, against the Falcons before having to exit the game. Pederson praised his week of practice and compared his likelihood of playing to Jackson's situation.
"Similar situation, same boat," Pederson said. "He's had a good week of preparation, good week of practice. Again, we'll get through today, another good day today and we'll see where he's at."
The final recovering long-term injured player who has a legitimate chance to play Sunday is three-time Pro Bowl running back/returner Darren Sproles. He has been sidelined since the Jets game in Week 5 with a quadriceps injury. He has been a limited participant in practice this week for the first time since that injury.
"Sproles is that other one with Timmy and DeSean," Pederson said. "Get through these next two days."
The Eagles will take on the Bears without tackle Jason Peters (knee) and linebacker Nigel Bradham (ankle) per Pederson. Neither player has practiced all week and they are still going through the recovery process.
"Jason Peters, Nigel (Bradham) are obviously two that won't play," Pederson said. "Everyone else has a legitimate shot."
Cornerback Avonte Maddox (concussion, neck) is not only on track to play Sunday, but Pederson said that he will line up in the slot. Maddox suffered the scary injury late in the Week 4 win over Green Bay.
