The Eagles had everybody present for yesterday’s mandatory workout at the Novacare Complex. There were quite a few players who were there physically, but not practicing.
Head coach Doug Pederson made it clear that Nick Foles is the team’s starting quarterback right now. He still thinks this is Carson Wentz team, but Foles would be the starter right now because Wentz is not healthy. Wentz is well ahead of schedule and he’s doing everything in practice except the team drills. He throws the ball during 7-on-7, but not team because of the congestion in the backfield and the fact that a mistake by someone could get him reinjured.
Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett, whom the Birds traded for during the off season was there with his new team. He was lining up with the second team behind Chris Long and Derek Barnett. Bennett didn’t have much to say after the practice about his legal troubles. He said he’s leaving that up to his injury lawyer in Florence Alabama.
Pederson expects Darren Sproles to be back in his role as the team’s third down back and top punt returner. The 34-year old playmaker missed most of the season a year ago with an ACL tear and broken arm. He may also become the team’s top kick returner because of the way the league has changed kickoffs. Sproles didn’t practice “full go” yesterday, but he said he could have, but is being held back by the team’s doctors and trainers.
Jason Peters was held back as well. The 36-year old is recovering from an ACL tear on one of his knees. He’s been here working out all off-season, so the Birds feel good about his return.
Haloti Ngata who is the huge veteran defensive tackle the Birds signed during the off season didn’t workout for some unknown reason, probably his age (34). He will likely be starting at defensive tackle beside Fletcher Cox because Tim Jernigan won’t return to action until the middle of the season because of back surgery.
Middle linebacker Jordan Hicks didn’t participate in the workout yesterday. His place was taken by Nigel Bradham with Corey Nelson and Kamu Grugier-Hill in the outside linebacker positions.
I like what I saw of linebacker Grugier-Hill. I saw him close on running back Corey Clement as the running back was trying to get around the corner and Grungier-Hill came after him like he was shot out of a cannon.
Second year cornerback Sidney Jones didn’t practice yesterday because of “soreness”. Of course, Jones is the youngster who was drafted in the second round last year despite suffering an Achilles tendon tear at the 2017 NFL Combine. We need to keep an eye on him because we have no idea what exactly soreness means about his ability to play this season. He’s supposed to be battling for a starting cornerback or slot corner job.
Backup safety and special teams playmaker Chris Maragos is still working to get his knee healthy.
