Joel Embiid was awarded the NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month of the Award for December, the Sixers announced today.  

congratulations to our EMVPIID!🏆

29.2 PPG | 11.2 RPG | 3.9 APG
& this is only December.🤯 pic.twitter.com/5hfGKWw9VW

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 4, 2022

By Michael Lipinski, Sports Talk Philly Contributor

The Philadelphia Eagles have been realitvely lucky when it comes to COVID-19 and the disruption it can cause within a football organization.  Well, lady luck just ran out.  NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo are reporting that "dozens" of Eagles players have tested positive for COVID-19 including Fletcher Cox, Jason Kelce, and Dallas Goedert.  There's an outside chance that they could return fo Saturday's game against Dallas. 

Pelissero notes that vaccinated players are only tested if they're symptomatic or volunteer for testing.  The NFL has begun to test more players on Monday's to allow the 5-day clock to start.  Once a player tests postivie they're not tested again.  

This could all be null and void, the playoff bound Eagles are in the unique position where they might be able to sit many starters against Dallas.  

The complete list of players:

By Michael Lipinski, Sports Talk Philly Contributor

The Philadelphia Eagles are returning to the NFL Playoffs after an incredible series of events on Sunday.  The Birds took care of business and defeated Washington, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Houston Texans, and the Green Bay Packers defeated the Minnesota Vikings. The trifecta gives the Eagles their first playoff berth since 2019. 

By Michael Lipinski, Sports Talk Philly Contributor

It’s remarkable to think that the Philadelphia Eagles can clinch a berth in the NFL Playoffs this Sunday. It was only a year ago that the Birds’ were finishing 4-11-1,  on the verge of firing the only coach to lead them to a Super Bowl title, and getting ready for a nasty divorce with the franchise quarterback.

To steal from one of the greatest color commentators of all time, Richie Ashburn, “Hard to believe, Harry.”

Here’s how the Eagles can clinch their first playoff berth since 2019.

Just Win, Baby! 

The Eagles need to take care of business against Washington.  A loss to the Football Team would make every other scenario null and void. 

By Michael Lipinski, Sports Talk Philly Contributor

The Penn State Nittany Lions (7-5, 4-5 Big Ten) return to the after losing 5-of-7 games to finish off the 2021 regular season campaign. At one point a Top 5 team, the Nittany Lions limped too the the finish line and an appearance in the Outback Bowl. 

No. 21 Arkansas Razorbacks (8-4, 4-4 SEC) were one of the bigger surprises this college football season. The Razorbacks complied right wins including two over Top 15 programs.  Head coach Sam Pittman was moments away from having Arkansas in the ten win club. Arkansas suffered a heartbreaking 52-51 loss to No. 17 Ole Miss and lost to CFP finalist No. 2 Alabama 42-35. 

This matchup could be the story of a team, Penn State, that woefully under achieved and an Arkansas squad that overachieved. The nation seems to think this is the case, Penn State is a 59.9% favorite according to ESPN’s Football Power Index. However, Vegas is favoring the overachiever, Arkansas is a 2.5-point favorite in most betting sites. 

Date: January 1, 2022

Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL

When: Noon/Eastern

TV: ESPN2

Radio: 1210 WPHT and the Penn State Radio Network

Series History 

This is the first ever matchup between Penn State and Arkansas. 

By Michael Lipinski, Sports Talk Philly Contributor

Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers has entered the NBA health and safety protocol, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.  Rivers is one of seven coaches to enter the NBA health and safety protocol over the past few days.  The Sixers will be coached by assistant coach Dan Burke until Rivers is able to clear the NBA COVID-19 protocols. 

Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers has entered the league’s Covid protocols, team source tells ESPN. Assistant Dan Burke will take over as acting coach.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 30, 2021

By Michael Lipinski, Sports Talk Philly Contributor

The Philadelphia Eagles Reserve/COVID-19 list is getting smaller ahead of a pivotal NFC East matchup against Washington. Linebacker Shaun Bradley has been activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 list, the team announced on Thursday. 

Roster Move: Eagles have activated LB Shaun Bradley from the Reserve/COVID-19 list. pic.twitter.com/ZSC7xRaih2

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 30, 2021

By Michael Lipinski, Sports Talk Philly Contributor

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni is taking no chances when it comes to the Eagles quarterbacks and COVID-19. In an effort to prevent what befell the Saints, New Orleans was without starting quarterback Taysom Hill and back up quarterback Trevor Siemian due to COVID-19 issues in a key matchup against Miami, the Eagles are getting creative. 

Coach Sirianni on the extra emphasis on staying safe heading into Week 17 pic.twitter.com/PdVeQnM7lE

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 27, 2021

By Michael Lipinski, Sports Talk Philly Contributor

Penn State will be a down a pair of All-Big Ten players when they take the field against No. 21 Arkansas on Sunday in the Outback Bowl.  Safety Jaquan Brisker and wide receiver Jahan Dotson have officially opted out of the bowl game and will focus on the upcoming NFL Draft process.  

By Michael Lipinski, Sports Talk Philly Contributor

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that Eagles running back Miles Sanders suffered a fracture in his hand during the Birds’ 34-10 win over the Giants. Sanders will have a MRI to determine if he will need to miss time or if he can play with the injury. 

Sanders is arguably having his most complete season despite not seeing the end zone and missing three games due to injury. He is averaging 5.5-yards per touch and was on pace to set his career high in rushing yards before suffering the injury.