Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson announced on Friday that running back Jordan Howard has been cleared for contact, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

All signs are pointing towards Howard being able to go on Sunday against the New York Giants, but Pederson said via SB Nation that Howard still needs to prove that he is in game shape.

“We have to make sure he is in game-ready shape first of all, so there is some conditioning involved in that. The biggest thing is just getting him caught up from the mental standpoint.”

Pederson also said on Thursday that if Howard were able to go, he would be the third-string back behind Miles Sanders and Boston Scott.

“I think you still go in with Miles and Boston. Again, it goes back to Jordan just getting caught up, and I think more so physically getting back to game shape.”

Eagles tight end Zach Ertz's status is still up in the air as he deals with a rib injury. The team has brought back tight end Richard Rodgers in case Ertz can't go, and Pederson said that the team feels comfortable with that.

“He’s in great shape. He’s been working out. He feels good. His recall of our offense and terminology has been really good this week. Had the Tuesday get-together there with the team, and his recall was really good.

If the Eagles win on Sunday against the Giants, they will lock up the NFC North and a home playoff game during wild-card weekend. If they lose and the Dallas Cowboys do the same to the Washington Redskins, they will get in.