DeSean Jackson on Track to Play vs. Bears

The plan is for DeSean Jackson to play Sunday against the Chicago Bears. That’s what the Eagles receiver said following Friday’s practice.

“It’s definitely been a long process, so we’ll see how it goes,” said Jackson, who suffered an abdomen injury early in the Eagles’ second game of the season on Sept. 15 and hasn’t played since.

Prior to the practice, head coach Doug Pederson said he was optimistic Jackson would be back in the lineup.

“He's had a great week of practice,” said Pederson, noting that Jackson has been listed as limited on the injury report all week.

Jackson was listed as questionable on Friday's injury report, as were defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan (foot) and safety Andrew Sendejo (groin).

In the season opener back on Sept. 8, Jackson was everything the Eagles had hoped he would be in his return to the franchise that drafted him in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. The receiver caught eight passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns of more than 50 yards in a win over the Washington Redskins.

Jackson declined to discuss the nature of the injury or how it happened, but said that he is dealing with it as best as he can.

“Not too many answers for it,” said Jackson. “It’s an uncommon injury so we’ll see how it goes. Try to do everything I can to take care of it and get right, so we’ll see how it plays out Sunday.”

With all the attention surrounding Jackson’s return, there are two other players who may be ready to play on Sunday – running back Darren Sproles and Jernigan.

They have also been limited in practice all week, but they have taken part in it and as veterans, don’t figure to need too many reps to be ready to play.

Jernigan injured his foot in the second week of the season and hasn’t played since. Sproles hurt his quad against the New York Jets on Oct. 6 and has missed three straight games.

Sproles wasn't listed on Friday's injury report so he looks like a go.

Pederson said if the medical evaluations of his questionable players are clean, then they will play, adding that there is no sense waiting another two weeks because the Eagles will have a bye after they play the Bears.

“I think if they are available to play, they play,” said Pederson. “I don't think you can wait. Every game's too important to win, especially where we are with our win-loss record. If they are able to play, play them.”

It wasn’t all good news at Pederson’s news conference. He ruled out left tackle Jason Peters (knee) and linebacker Nigel Bradham (ankle). Both will miss their second consecutive game.

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