Zach Ertz to Miss Practice Thursday as Status Remains up in Air for Week 17

We all watched Zach Ertz gut through the entirety of the Eagles' battle with the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16, but just because he was able to grit his teeth once doesn't mean it'll happen again.

With Ertz's status still uncertain for the regular-season finale against the Giants, and his fractured rib remaining a painful hindrance, the focal point tight end won't be practicing Thursday.

The holiday has a way of warping schedules, but somehow, this feels like even less time than usual to get ready for a big game, doesn't it?

Of course, the home playoff game that will follow a victory on Sunday is the more important battle, but...Philly has to get there first before they can worry about it. Ertz's production can be nearly replicated by Dallas Goedert, especially against a porous Giants secondary, but any gamble the team takes by easing off the throttle is just that.

Ertz's attitude no doubt spurred Philadelphia to victory last week, but don't get it twisted: his presence on the field is as important as any speech.