Eagles Injuries: Pederson Optimistic Ertz can Return

The Eagles have battled injuries all season long, but appear to be close to full strength for their Monday night game against Seattle.

Only safety Rudy Ford and Left tackle Lane Johnson did not participate in Thursday's practice.

Listed as limited participants were Derek Barnett, Jack Driscoll, Jason Kelce, Boston Scott and Alex Singleton.

Of that group, missing Kelce would be the biggest blow to the team.  Losing their starting center with all the other issues on the offensive line would be a crushing blow, but Eagles head coach Doug Pederson expects Kelce to play.

"He's sore but he'll be fine and would expect him to play Sunday," Pederson said on Wednesday.

"What he can do as a center, how he moves, how he gets to second-level defenders, how smart he is in protection. It's just amazing to me. I've never really been around a player, an offensive lineman of his caliber that does what he does day in and day out and a ton of respect for Jason."

Another thing on the injury front to keep an eye on is the status of tight end Zach Ertz,  who has been back at practice this week.

"Zach is trending in the right direction," Pederson announced on Wednesday. "I'm optimistic and hopefully he comes away and feels good after today's practice."

Getting Ertz back would guve quarterback Carson Wentz is favorite taget on the offense.

Healthy or not, the Eaglea face a tremendous challenge with Seattle on Monday night.