Fansided

Wild Card weekend could hinge on these key injuries

By Dr. David Chao

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 11: Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball against the Oakland Raiders during the second half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 11, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 11: Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball against the Oakland Raiders during the second half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 11, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Chicago Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) scrambles away from the Philadelphia Eagles defense in the first quarter on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune/TNS via Getty Images)
Chicago Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) scrambles away from the Philadelphia Eagles defense in the first quarter on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune/TNS via Getty Images) /

Bears vs. Eagles

Nick Foles left last week’s game with a chest injury and the Eagles say he will play. Although the care of Carson Wentz leaves fans suspicious of what the team says, by video, I would agree with a rib contusion or rib cartilage injury and no fracture. Foles will play and be effective as there are good ways to protect him and ease the pain with a rib block injection. Even a Khalil Mack sack won’t knock Foles out as the rib should not be vulnerable to re-injury. And no, Wentz will not be available this week with his back stress fracture nor if the Eagles continue their run.

The Eagles secondary has been banged up all season and now the two Jasons (Kelce and Peters) on the offensive line are limited but likely to play.

The Bears will have Allen Robinson (ribs) at full strength. Despite dislocating his left shoulder last week for the second time this season, I feel Anthony Miller has a good chance to play even though he will need surgery at the end of the season to repair his labrum.

The key questions on defense for the Bears are safety Eddie Jackson and OLB Aaron Lynch who were both injured in Week 15 and missed the last two weeks. By video, Jackson suffered a mild right high ankle sprain on the run back after his interception and Lynch dislocated his right elbow. I am optimistic that Jackson could return this week but feel Lynch likely needs another week.

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