Kolb May Not Play Sunday, Temple's Jarrett Could Make First Career Start

Share

The much-anticipated return of Kevin Kolb may have to wait for another time. Yes, that first part was a joke.

Little more than one year removed from being Philadelphia's franchise quarterback, and roughly three months since being shipped off to Arizona, the Eagles' top pick in the 2007 draft may not be able to go for his new team this week. Kolb was sidelined against the Rams last week with turf toe, and while he has experienced some improvement, it has yet to lead to participation in practice.

If Kolb doesn't practice on Friday, the chances of him starting on Sunday are greatly reduced. Second-year quarterback John Skelton, a fifth-round pick out of Fordham, will play if Kolb can't go.

Kolb's tenure in Arizona has not exactly gone swimmingly so far. The Cardinals are 2-6 on the season, and Kolb has struggled to perform. His completion percentage has dipped to 56.8, he's thrown as many touchdowns as interceptions (eight), been sacked a total of 24 times, and his passer rating is a pedestrian 77.8.

That being said, it's hard to imagine the Cards would be better off with him out of the lineup. In six career games, Skelton's completion percentage is below 50. He has the physical characteristics of an NFL quarterback, but he's very green coming from such a small university.

Skelton was 20-35 for 222 yards and a touchdown in the Cardinals 19-13 overtime win over St. Louis this past Sunday.

Meanwhile, Eagles free safety Nate Allen sustained a concussion in Monday night's loss to Chicago, and with a short week to prepare, Andy Reid admitted it would be difficult for Allen to be cleared to play in time for the game.

That would be a blow for the Birds' secondary, as Allen's play had improved in recent weeks, but his absence would give rookie and Temple product Jaiquawn Jarrett his first chance to start. It's taken some time for Jarrett to gain the coach's trust, but he replaced Allen after he went down. Jarrett finished the game with three tackles.

Also of note, left guard Evan Mathis is also battling what was described as a turf toe injury. King Dunlap, who ordinarily substitutes at tackle, has been practicing in his place, and could get the start this week if Mathis is out. It would be Dunlap's first NFL start on the interior.

>> Kolb says toe is improving, but he still hasn't practiced [PFT]
>> Jarrett could start for concussed Allen [Birds' Eye View]
>> Dunlap prepping for first start at guard [CSN]

Contact Us