The long wait is finally over for QB Derek Anderson.
"Derek Anderson has cleared the (concussion) protocol," said head coach Sean McDermott on Friday.
The veteran quarterback has had a lengthy spell on the injured list due to a concussion suffered all the way back in Week 8 against New England. Patriots LB Kyle Van Noy struck Anderson from behind as he buried the crown of his helmet in between Anderson's shoulder blades.
Anderson had made progress over the last few weeks as he had been practicing on a non-contact basis, an indication he was in Step 4 of the return-to-participation protocol. But he could not clear the fifth and final step, which is full medical clearance.
Nevertheless, McDermott was pleased to see Anderson finally gain full clearance.
"Anytime you have a guy who has been out multiple weeks it's important that you can get him back healthy as soon as possible," he said. "So I'm encouraged by that."
As for the quarterback depth chart for Sunday's game, it sounds as though Matt Barkley will remain the backup this week, with Anderson likely inactive.
"We'll see and take it one day at a time right now," said McDermott of the quarterback pecking order. "(We want to) make sure he comes out good here."
Hauschka to kick at practice All week long coach McDermott has been optimistic that K Stephen Hauschka would be able to recover from his hip injury in time to kick against the Lions on Sunday.
Hauschka did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday, but will participate in some capacity today.
"He'll be acclimated a little more than he was yesterday," said McDermott. "At this point he should be fine for the game."
Although Hauschka is expected to be fit to kick on Sunday, he and the coaching staff will be paying close attention to his pre-game kicking to see if the recovery from the injury has shortened his range for field goals and kickoffs.
"That's something we have to keep our eye on as we head into the game," McDermott said. "Weather conditions one, and then how he's feeling as he starts the game and goes through the game."
McCoy to practice again today LeSean McCoy returned to practice on Thursday in a limited capacity. He'll practice again here on Friday.
"We'll just see," said McDermott with regard to McCoy's participation. "More today than he did yesterday."
