Birds could get back Mathews, who has passed concussion testing

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.

Mathews has 427 yards on 75 carries. The source said he has been able to exercise without symptoms recently, but couldn't match previously established baseline levels on the test. He cleared that hurdle Monday.