A cracked collarbone was supposed to sideline Eagles quarterback Nick Foles for six to eight weeks. Foles could be out even longer than that.
According to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the initial assessment may have been a “generous” one. Per McLane, Foles’ collarbone must be “more than” healed in order to protect it against further harm.
McLane reports that the current best-case scenario for Foles would entail a Week 16 return against Washington.
Foles suffered the injury on November 2, and he has missed three games. The question becomes whether Eagles coach Chip Kelly automatically would replaced backup Mark Sanchez with Foles as soon as Foles is cleared, or whether Sanchez would continue to play.
If Sanchez continues to struggle -- and if the Eagles lose at least two of the next three against the Cowboys, Seahawks, and Cowboys again -- Kelly may want to get Foles back on the field ASAFP, since a strong return from the starter could be exactly what the Eagles will need to salvage a berth in the postseason.