Ryan Mathews

The Eagles got a boost from beating the defending Super Bowl champion Patriots Sunday, and they could get another one Tuesday, when running back Ryan Mathews might return to practice for the first time since suffering a concussion Nov. 15 against Miami.

Mathews passed neuropsychological testing Monday, which had been holding up his return, a source close to the situation said. The source said Mathews will see an independent neurologist Tuesday morning, and if that goes well, the Eagles' most effective back could practice Tuesday and presumably return to action this coming Sunday against Buffalo.

DeMarco Murray had just 14 snaps against the Pats so the door is pretty open for Mathews to get a bulk of the carries. He's proved so far this season to be a much better fit than Murray in the Chip Kelly offense. The Eagles have played Murray lack of touches this past week on the flow of the game, but owners now have to wonder if this could be a trend for the rest of the season.