The City of Brotherly Love is the setting on Sunday when Eagles tight end Brent Celek suits up against his younger brother Garrett, also a tight end in his sixth NFL season with the 49ers, at Lincoln Financial Field.
"It's going to be fun. I'm preparing just like any other game," Brent Celek said on Thursday. "I don't know if there are going to be any times when I'm going to line up against him (including special teams) ... if that was the case it would be a little different story. I think it will be more fun for my family than it will be for me and my brother."
Who will the parents root for?
"I think they'll probably say, 'We hope you stay healthy,'" Celek said.
Celek said he and his brother have not yet spoken, but they have exchanged text messages. Garrett texted Brent first, and Brent replied.
"He said he was going to do something to me on one play," Celek said, "and I responded."
And he laughed.
"It's a game we need to win and that's the way I'm approaching it," Celek said. "It's going to be good to see my brother for a little bit after the game, but that's about it. I want to keep my focus on the game and on winning."
The 6-1 Eagles will face the visiting 49ers for the first time since 2014. Here are a few players to keep your eye on.
RB Carlos Hyde has led the team in rushing yards since 2015. Hyde also leads the team with four touchdowns on the year.
WR Pierre Garcon has yet to score his first touchdown as a 49er but ranks top 10 in both receptions and receiving yards in the NFL this season.
QB C.J. Beathard replaces Brian Hoyer at quarterback. Beathard has started just one game this year and has thrown for 480 yards and a touchdown.
LB Elvis Dumervil is a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-Team All-Pro. Since entering the NFL in 2006, Dumervil's 102.5 sacks ranks second among active players.
DL DeForest Buckner stands at 6-7, 300 pounds. Buckner was named to the All-Rookie Team after his 6 sacks and 73 tackles last season.
LB Ray-Ray Armstrong has forced a fumble, a sack, and leads the team in interceptions (2) and total tackles (50).
WR Marquise Goodwin ranks second on the team in receiving yards. Goodwin has five touchdowns of 40 yards or more in his career.
TE George Kittle is having a solid rookie season. He's third in both receptions and receiving yards and has one touchdown.
