The Philadelphia Eagles will likely be without starting quarterback Sam Bradford against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
Bradford sprained the AC joint in his non-throwing shoulder and suffered a concussion during the Eagles 20-19 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday afternoon. Eagles head coach Chip Kelly confirmed in a press conference on Wednesday that Bradford hasn't been cleared to practice through the NFL's concussion protocol.
With Mark Sanchez likely to make his first start of the season at home against the Bucs on Sunday afternoon, the Eagles are just one unfortunate play away from having to lean on a third-string quarterback Thad Lewis.
Via Matt Lombardo of NJ.com, Kelly explains what he likes about Lewis, who hasn't played a snap in a regular season game since the 2013 season.
"I think when you looked at Thad, we worked him out a couple of times," Kelly said. "We were really impressed with his arm-strength. He's got a very, very strong arm. The ball comes out of his hand extremely fast. He has a quick release. Throws a very tight spiral."
Lewis started his career with the St. Louis Rams as undrafted free agent in 2010. He also played for the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns. In seven career games, including six starts, Lewis has 1,296 passing yards with five touchdowns and four interceptions. The Eagles signed him signed as a free agent on Sept. 21.
As Kelly explains, Lewis had a long history with Eagles offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur.
"Pat (Shurmur) had some experience with him, he was the offensive coordinator in St. Louis and again when he was the head coach in Cleveland. We had a chance to get some exposure some exposure to him during those workouts."
Kelly is also impressed with Lewis' intelligence.
"Obviously, he's a Duke grad," Kelly said. "He's sharp. He picked up the offense really well and very quickly. He has a good feel for what were doing. "
Lewis is confident that he can run the offense, and he is ready to come in and make plays if his number is called upon.
"I have been here since Week 2," Lewis said. "And my nose has been down in the playbook since I got here. I have had the opportunity to study. Now it is just second nature. I feel very comfortable in there. If I'd have gotten here in Week 3 and had to play right away, it would have been different. But I have had enough time."
Michael Malia is a contributing intern for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Facebook (Michael Malia) or Twitter @Michael_Malia.
