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Associated Press 8y

Eagles still uncertain about starting QB for Thursday game

NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Rams, Dallas Cowboys

PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Eagles aren't sure or aren't saying who their quarterback will be less than two days before they're scheduled to face the Detroit Lions.

Sam Bradford, the team's starter, passed through his concussion protocol but it still bothered by a sprained joint in his left (non-throwing) shoulder. He suffered the injuries in the Eagles' 20-19 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Nov. 15. Mark Sanchez relieved him in that game and started the 45-17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

"It's just how it progresses from now until game time," Bradford said after Tuesday's walkthrough. "It's really hard to put a percentage on it. I just know it feels better (Tuesday) than it did (Monday). So hopefully it will feel better over the next 48 hours. I'd like to be out there, but right now it's going to be in the coaches' and trainers' hands."

The Eagles coaches say they don't know who the starter is going to be yet, either.

"We have to see," Eagles offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said before Tuesday's walkthrough.

Bradford was limited in Monday's practice, but did make some throws and move around.

"We weren't going full speed, but he looked good," Shurmur said.

Bradford, acquired in the offseason trade that sent quarterback Nick Foles and a second-round pick to the St. Louis Rams, had played his best with the Eagles just before getting hurt.

He completed 25 of 36 passes for 295 yards with an overtime touchdown pass in a 33-27 win over the Dallas Cowboys. And he was 19 for 25 for 236 yards with a touchdown before getting hurt against Miami.

Sanchez, in relief of Bradford, has four interceptions in his five-plus quarters. The veteran has completed 40 of 64 passes for 417 yards with two touchdowns.

"I'm ready," Sanchez said on Tuesday. "I prepare the same way every week, as if I'm going to play."

Bradford said the short week doesn't help.

"Sunday would have given me three more days to be ready," he said. "We just have to see how it goes. If it feels better and they feel comfortable I'll be out there. We still have 48 hours."

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