Miles Sanders expected back after breaking bone in hand during Eagles' win
The Philadelphia Eagles won't place running back Miles Sanders on injured reserve despite a broken bone in his hand. The team expects Sanders to return as it fights for a playoff spot, head coach Nick Sirianni said Monday.
Sanders sustained the injury during the team's 34-10 win over the New York Giants in Week 16. Sanders did not play in the second half of the contest due to the injury. He was replaced by Boston Scott and Jordan Howard. Sanders left the game with a soft cast on his hand.
The injury will sideline Sanders for Week 17, but the team is hopeful he can return soon. At 8-7, the Eagles are tied with the San Francisco 49ers for the sixth playoff spot in the NFC.
#Eagles coach Nick Sirianni told reporters that Miles Sanders is out this week, but won’t go on IR. They hope to have him back this season. https://t.co/Q7U6vCWVIo
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 27, 2021
Sanders, 24, is in the midst of a bizarre season. Despite 137 rushes and 26 receptions, Sanders has not scored a touchdown. He hasn't performed poorly, exceeding 70 rushing yards in four games. He's also not completely allergic to the end zone, as Sanders converted a 2-point conversion in Week 1. Jalen Hurts has been the team's top rushing option near the goal line this season, scoring 10 rushing touchdowns.
Eagles fighting for playoff spot with two weeks left
Philadelphia's path to the postseason won't be easy. The team will play two games in the division to close out the season. The Eagles will take on the Washington Football Team in Week 17 before going up against the Dallas Cowboys during the final week of the regular season.
That Cowboys game could play a big role in whether the Eagles make the playoffs. The Cowboys — who sit at 11-4 — might have their postseason seed wrapped up by then, and could rest their starters for the playoffs.
Doing so would give the Eagles an easier path to the postseason, so perhaps Dallas will go all out even if the team already locked down its seed.