Eagles' starting linebacker returns to practice

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Dannell Ellerbe was back on the practice field Thursday and signs are strong pointing toward the veteran linebacker being able to play on Sunday in the NFC Championship Game. 

Ellerbe (hamstring) missed practice on Wednesday, but will likely be listed as a limited participant for Thursday when the injury report comes out later in the afternoon. 

That's important because last week, Ellerbe missed the first day of practice, was limited on the second and was a full participant on the third before he was able to play 23 snaps against the Falcons. 

"Yeah, we just handled him like we did last week," head coach Doug Pederson said. "Just gave him the rest." 

Ellerbe, 32, has played in six playoff games, tied for the most on the team, and he won a Super Bowl with the Ravens in 2012. He was brought in during the season and eventually took over as the Eagles' MIKE linebacker in their base package. 

He doesn't play a ton because the Eagles are often in their nickel defense, but it's pretty clear the Eagles put a lot of stock in his NFL experience. Before Ellerbe, they had second-year player Joe Walker filling in for Jordan Hicks. 

With Ellerbe back on the practice field Thursday, every member of the 53-man roster practiced, a good sign heading into the NFC Championship Game on Sunday. The Eagles have obviously been decimated by injuries this season, but what's left of their 53-man roster is healthy heading into the weekend. 

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