Sam Bradford injury update: Eagles feel quarterback is close to returning

Sam Bradford is inactive for the Philadelphia Eagles' game against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving and Mark Sanchez is starting in his place. It might not be too long before Bradford returns to the field, however. Multiple reporters are noting that Bradford was almost kept active on Thursday:

Eagles believe that if this game was Sunday, Sam Bradford would play. He's close, enough so that they considered dressing him as backup.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) November 26, 2015

Bradford Gould have played in emergency but thought it was better to keep in out of uniform and inactive #Eagles

— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) November 26, 2015

Bradford returned to practice earlier this week after being cleared from the concussion he suffered in Week 10. He's still dealing with a separated shoulder injury on his non-throwing arm, however.

If these reports are any indication, it seems like Bradford should be ready to play when the Eagles take on the Patriots on Sunday, Dec. 6. The bad news is that New England is likely to crush the Birds whether it's Bradford or Sanchez.