A return for Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford is likely in sight as he is expected to start when they head to Gillette Stadium this Sunday to face the defending National Football League (NFL) champions New England Patriots. 

Bradford missed their past two games, which were defeats to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (45–17) and Detroit Lions (45–14), after suffering a concussion and a separated left shoulder in their 20–19 Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. 

Replacing the 28-year-old quarterback in those games was backup passer Mark Sanchez who played just fine for Philadelphia but was unable to lead the team to a victory. 

According to ESPN, Bradford was already cleared through the NFL's concussion protocol before the loss to the Lions but was still unable to play in the game because of the shoulder injury. 

But now, it seems like Bradford is ready and participated in this week's practices feeling better than the previous week. 

"I feel much better than I did at this point last week. I'm much more comfortable out there with what I've been able to do on the field. It's starting to feel good," Bradford said according to ESPN. 

The former Oklahoma Sooner also shared that it is tough not being able to help his teammates because of the injury. 

Despite their current struggles and standings in their division, Bradford is keeping an optimistic view of things and believes they can still reach the playoffs. 

The Eagles are third in the National Football Conference (NFC) East with a 4–7 record, above them are the Washington Redskins (5–6) and New York Giants (5–6), and last are the Dallas Cowboys (3–8). 

Bradford has not been the perfect quarterback playing in his first season with the Eagles, but still he is their main man on offense and in nine regular season games played has 214 completions for 2,297 yards and 11 touchdowns, but also throwing 10 interceptions.