Ronald Darby should be ready when Eagles return from break

When the Eagles return from their bye week break next week, they'll have a bit of a boost as they get ready to play Dallas  — corner Ronald Darby is expected to finally practice fully and to be in uniform against the Cowboys, a source close to the situation said, and Eagles coach Doug Pederson more or less confirmed, during Pederson's Monday news conference.

Darby, acquired from Buffalo in August to be the Birds' No. 1 corner, dislocated an ankle in the season opener. He has been a partial practice participant the past three weeks, listed as "questionable" each Friday, but never really that close to playing before now.

"Last week, he really got more reps in practice. Even though it was 'limited,' it was almost 'full,'" Pederson said. "He's another one that will be around [this week], work on his treatment and his rehab, and we'll see where we're at when we get back, we'll evaluate it some more, but he's in a really good spot to possibly come back and help us here in the next week or so."

Darby, who hasn't spoken with reporters since the injury, tweeted Sunday: "Great team win. Excited to officially be back with my brothers. Been a wild year, but it's blessings around every corner."

Tight end Zach Ertz, who missed Sunday's game with a hamstring pull, said he will stay around this week, get treatment, and hope to be OK next week. Pederson said defensive tackle Tim Jernigan, who played just 20 snaps against the Broncos, suffered an ankle injury but should be OK for Dallas.

"Tim's fine – he just got an ankle. He could have come back and played in that game … We've got this time off now, so he'll be fine next week," Pederson said.

There still is no official timetable for second-round rookie corner Sidney Jones, recovering from Achilles' tendon surgery last March. Once he starts practicing, the Eagles have three weeks to activate him or place him on IR. For a team with postseason aspirations, this is not an unlikely scenario.

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