TE Ertz didn’t clear concussion protocol in time
Zach Ertz was scratched Sunday, the Eagles’ leading receiver failing to bounce back from a concussion in time to play the Los Angeles Rams here at the Coliseum.
Ertz warmed up in long sweats before the game but that was the extent of his workload. He’d been limited at practice this past week.
The Eagles didn’t miss Ertz, at least in the first half.
Early in the first quarter, 32-year-old tight end Brent Celek scored on a five-yard reception, his first touchdown since Thanksgiving of 2015, to tie the game at 7. Celek set it up by drawing a pass interference penalty in the end zone, proving he can still get vertical – somewhat. Later in the first quarter tight end Trey Burton hauled in a 20yard scoring pass, his third of the season, to give the Eagles a 14-7 lead.
And it was Burton again, with an 11-yard TD grab, staking the Eagles to a 21-7 lead 11:10 left in the first half.
But back to Ertz. It was the fourth game he’s missed since the start of the 2015 season, including the second this year. The Eagles are 4-1 in games missed by Ertz, who hasn’t played a complete season since 2014, his second in the league.
The Eagles also scratched running back Wendell Smallwood, offensive tackle Will Beatty, defensive tackle Elijah Qualls, wide receiver Marcus Johnson, quarterback Nate Sudfeld and linebacker Walker.
••• Rams cornerback Kayvon Webster’s interception of Carson Wentz in the first quarter was the leagueleading sixth takeaway on an opening drive this year by the Rams.
But Webster was carted off before the end of the first quarter clutching his right heel. The preliminary report was an ankle injury.
Later in the first half the Rams lost left offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth to an ankle injury.
Fletcher Cox rolled into Whitworth’s right ankle.
••• The Rams scratched linebacker Connor Barwin (forearm), who played for the Eagles from 2013-16, and wide receiver Robert Woods (shoulder), among others.
Barwin was a fan favorite, both on the field and off, whether it was helping in the community or riding – get this – Septa.
But pass rusher Alec Ogletree will be active, along with the elbow he hyperextended last week.
The Rams also deactivated quarterback Brandon Allen, running backs Lance Dunbar and Justin Davis, linebacker Carlos Thompson and offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas.
••• Plenty of Eagles fans showed up Sunday, although the green density at the Coliseum was nothing like the show the fan base put on blanketing the StubHub Center in Carson City, Calif., in a win over the Chargers in September.
The Eagles were cheered initially, but then soundly booed as they hit the field.
And so, it went throughout the late afternoon game.
••• NOTES: Doug Pederson collected a huge win challenging a spot, believe or not. Referee Craig Wrolstad took away an apparent first down from the Rams with 2:00 left in the first half … The Eagles replaced left guard Stefen Wisniewski with Chance Warmack in the first half. Wisniewski injured an ankle … After a rousing national anthem by singer-actor JoJo, a formation of P-51 Mustangs flew over the Coliseum, a day before Pearl Harbor Day Angels … Craig Wrolstad and his crew officiated EaglesRams. Visiting teams are 7-4 in games they’ve worked this year … Eagles fans – and slugger - Mike Trout (@MikeTrout) live-tweeted the game. Isn’t the dude on his honeymoon?