Nick Foles starts for the third time in the past four weeks against the Raiders. Photo Courtesy of ESPN.com
As the weeks continue to roll by, the quarterback cycle continues. The Eagles make another swap with starting quarterback as they face the Oakland Raiders in Week 9.
For the Eagles, this is essentially the do-or-die game. Do and the slightest hope remains that the Eagles will still be potential factor in the race to win the NFC East, as much-maligned as that may be. Die and the season dies with it.
The Eagles are riding the fine line between playoffs and picks. Even at 3-5, they have a chance at a playoff spot in a weak division. But with a loss, and falling to 3-6, the Eagles would like be well on their way to a solid draft picks. It's kind of a win-win.
Nick Foles stands between that. He could be the quarterback who started against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or the Dallas Cowboys. It's as simple as that.
How Foles involves the rest of the offensive cast matters as well. LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson, Riley Cooper and Brent Celek all have to play a role for the Eagles to be involved.
The Raiders are coming off a strong game, as Terrelle Pryor turned in a solid performance against the Steelers. Darren McFadden can always be a threat on the ground and Pryor's top target will be Denarius Moore.
The Oakland defense, one of the best in the league at stopping the run, will be the difference maker. If the Eagles can solve the defense, they have a good chance to win the game. But if Pat Sims, Lamarr Houston, Charles Woodson and Nick Roach are the next in line to dismantle the Eagles offense, it will be a long day for Foles and company.
Injury Report:
Eagles
- QB Michael Vick (hamstring) is out for today's game.
- LB Jason Knott (hamstring) is doubtful for today's game.
- LB Casey Matthews (hip) is questionable for today's game.
- WR Damaris Johnson (ankle) is questionable for today's game.
- S Patrick Chung (shoulder) is questionable for today's game.
- QB Nick Foles (concussion) is probable for today's game.
- LS Jon Dorenbos (groin) is probable for today's game.
- RB Chris Polk (shoulder) is probable for today's game.
- WR DeSean Jackson (ankle) is probable for today's game.
- T Jason Peters (shoulder) is probable for today's game.
- LB Connor Barwin (back) is probable for today's game.
- DE Cedric Thornton (knee) is probable for today's game.
- P Donnie Jones (foot) is probable for today's game.
Raiders
- S Tyvon Branch (ankle) is out for today's game. Branch did not practice this week.
- T Tony Pashos (hip) is out for today's game. Pashos did not practice this week.
- G Andre Gurode (quadricep) is out for today's game. Gurode did not practice this week.
- WR Andre Holmes (hamstring) is questionable for today's game. Holmes was limited in practice this week.
- T Menelik Watson (calf) is questionable for today's game. Watson was limited in practice this week.
Kevin Durso is a contributor for Eagledelphia. Look for his weekly Monday Review following every Eagles game. Follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.
