ANAHEIM, Calif. – Tight end Zach Ertz returned to the practice field on Thursday at Angel Stadium of Anaheim, so the Eagles' leading pass catcher is inching closer to playing Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.
Ertz practiced in a limited fashion on Thursday, and while he had not officially cleared the NFL's concussion protocol program at that time, the signs were encouraging that Ertz would be good to go for the Rams.
Ertz was injured late in the third quarter of Sunday night's loss in Seattle on a play during which he was a target of a Carson Wentz pass over the middle on third-and-3. He took a shot from Seattle defensive back Bradley McDougald on the play and did not return. Ertz finished the game with just two catches for 24 yards.
He has, of course, been instrumental in the Eagles' success this season. Ertz has a team-high 57 receptions, is second on the team with 663 receiving yards, and is tied for the most receiving touchdowns, seven. All of those touchdowns have come in the red zone.
Ertz was in concussion protocol when he and the team arrived in California and remained in the program through Wednesday, although he was permitted to attend meetings.
Having Ertz back gives the Eagles another weapon they will need against a formidable Los Angeles defense. Ertz was inactive for the team's victory over Denver and then missed out on Sunday night when the Eagles were in comeback mode.
His good health is critical to the offense as it heads down the stretch.
The Eagles held a practice a Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., as they prepared to face the Los Angeles Rams.
DT Beau Allen takes a look around Angel Stadium.
T Lane Johnson readies himself for practice at Angel Stadium.
S Malcolm Jenkins emerges from the dugout at Angel Stadium.
G Brandon Brooks emerges from the dugout for practice.
S Rodney McLeod, WR Mack Hollins and DT Tim Jernigan emerge from the dugout for practice at Angel Stadium.
DT Fletcher Cox takes in the sights of Angel Stadium.
The players take a moment to get used to their unfamiliar surroundings.
DT Fletcher Cox and DE Vinny Curry are among the Eagles stretching before practice.
RB Wendell Smallwood stretches during practice.
LB Mychal Kendricks stretches before practice.
LB Dannell Ellerbe stretches before practice.
Carson Wentz and the other quarterbacks stretch before practice.
LB Najee Goode.
S Rodney McLoud.
The Eagles offense.
CB Jalen Mills making an adjustment.
LB Nigel Bradham patiently awaits instruction.
A pair of defensive backs battle it out.
Injured RB Darren Sproles watches his teammates practice.
RB LeGarrette Blount shares a laugh with Darren Sproles.
CB Jalen Mills.
TE Brent Celek.
The defensive backs huddle up.
CB Rasul Douglas backpedals.
Running backs coach Duce Staley delivers instruction to RB Kenjon Barner, as fellow RB Jay Ajayi looks on.
Running backs coach Duce Staley delivers instruction.
DE Brandon Graham explodes out of his stance during individual drills.
QBs Carson Wentz and Nate Sudfeld take part in individual drills.
The Eagles come together.
