Ex-Wildcats in the NFL: Nick Foles steps in as Eagles' starting QB; Gronk and Rob Golden clash in AFC showdown

QB Nick Foles, Philadelphia Eagles

Last week: After the Eagles escaped the Rams in Los Angeles, head coach Doug Pederson said the primary reason why Nick Foles was brought in to be Carson Wentz's backup was for emergency situations. Foles was once viewed as a possible franchise quarterback in his first stint with the Eagles, throwing for 2,891 yards and two interceptions in 2013.  

.@cj_wentz's backup?He was in this same role four seasons ago.Then @NFoles_9 posted the highest passer rating for an @Eagles QB... EVER. #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/V723SaBQDE

— NFL (@NFL) December 11, 2017

After venturing off with the Rams and the Chiefs the last two seasons, the Eagles resigned Foles as an additional quarterback with starter experience. Now, Foles is called upon to lead the 11-2 Eagles to a possible Super Bowl after Wentz was ruled out for the season after tearing his ACL against the Rams. Foles replaced Wentz and went 6 of 10 passing for 42 yards. 

Wentz was on pace for a MVP caliber season so it won't be easy replacing him, but it should be interesting to see how Foles performs as the starter once again.  

This week: The Eagles play the Giants in New York Sunday at 11 a.m.

LB Marquis Flowers, New England Patriots

Last week: Flowers set a season-high in tackles (5) and four of them were solo. Flowers had a slow start to the season, but is starting to become more active as a part of New England's special teams unit and linebacker corp. 

This week: The Patriots battle Pittsburgh Sunday at 2:25 p.m.

K Nick Folk, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Last week: Nick Folk hasn't seen action since Oct. 5. 

This week: The Bucs host the Falcons on Monday Night Football at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN. 

S Robert Golden, Pittsburgh Steelers

Last week: Golden didn't record a statistic in the Steelers' 39-38 win over the Ravens. 

This week: Pittsburgh hosts the Patriots for a crucial AFC supremacy matchup Sunday at 2:25 p.m.

TE Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots

Last week: Rob Gronkowski served a one-game suspension after a late hit on on Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White. It was Gronkowski's first suspension in his seven-year NFL career.  

This week: Gronkowski returns to the lineup as the Patriots battle the Steelers on the road Sunday at 2:25 p.m.

DT Earl Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers

Last week: Mitchell recorded two tackles in San Francisco's 26-16 win over the Houston Texans. The 49ers are now on a two-game winning streak. 

This week: The 49ers host the Titans Sunday at 2:25 p.m. 

S Will Parks, Denver Broncos

Last week: The Broncos are out of playoff contention, but Will Parks has shined in back-to-back weeks as Denver's starting free safety. Last week against the J-E-T-S, Parks had five tackles in a 23-0 win at home.  

This week: Parks and the Broncos played the Colts on Thursday Night Football on NBC and when the starting lineups were shown in the first quarter, he had the luxury of saying "Will Parks, Arizona." Parks set a career-high in tackles with seven. The Broncos return to action on Christmas Eve against Washington at 11 a.m. 

LB Brooks Reed, Atlanta Falcons

Last week: In Atlanta's 20-17 win over the Saints, Reed had three tackles. So far this season, Reed has racked up 32 tackles. 

This week: The Falcons play the Buccaneers on Monday Night Football on ESPN at 6:30 p.m.

LB Scooby Wright, Arizona Cardinals

Last week: Wright hasn't received much action this season after the Cardinals signed him to play on the practice squad, but he's made appearances on the special teams unit. Against the Titans, Wright had one tackle.  

This week: Cardinals play at Washington Sunday at 11 a.m.