Eagles Notes: Matthews returns to practice, Wentz to miss preseason finale & more

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Doug Pederson met the media early today to address last night’s roster moves and give updates on the team’s injury situation. There was a lot of information to take in, so think of this as your all-in-one guide to the last 24 hours of Eagles news and what it all means.

Jordan Matthews returns to practice:

After sustaining an injury prior to the preseason opener against the Buccaneers, Matthews is finally scheduled to return to practice today. It’s unlikely that he will play against the Jets, but the Eagles expect their number one receiver to be ready for week one of the regular season.

 

No more preseason football for Carson Wentz:
Doug Pederson gave an insightful look into the recovery of Carson Wentz after he suffered a hairline fracture in his ribs against the Bucs.

It’s now been confirmed by the NDSU star that he won’t see any action against the Jets. This would of course mean that the chances of seeing Carson Wentz play in an Eagles uniform before next season become minimal. It’s not a perfect situation, but there is no point in risking the future of your franchise for some game experience against the Jets backups.

 

Team Injury update:
There were a few concerns after Vinny Curry left the game early on Saturday, but both himself and Taylor Hart will be set to return in week one, despite sustaining minor knee injuries. Wendell Smallwood, who took a hefty hit in his first preseason game, is still in concussion protocol, leaving him sidelined for a third time. Isaac Seumalo is reported as being day-to-day, which means his availability on Thursday night will be touch-and-go.

The news of Wendell Smallwood brings us on very nicely to our next point however..

A running back resigned:
The Eagles have officially resigned running back Cedric O’Neal after releasing him recently. The probable absence of Smallwood leaves the Eagles light on depth as they head into their final preseason game, giving the physical back one last chance to shine. O’Neal rushed for 25 yards in his opening two preseason games before being released.

 

So, what about Givens & Randle?:
Two of the biggest surprises in last night’s roster cuts, were Reuben Randle and Chris Givens, two wideouts signed by the team during free agency who at one stage seemed definite locks to make the roster.

There’s definitely a new direction at the WR position. Considering that Josh Huff appears to have finally found his role, the team’s faith in Nelson Agholor and the likes of UDFA’s Marcus Johnson and Cayleb Jones, who have survived the opening waves of cuts and still look poised to perform against the Jets, the mentality seems to be youth, ability shown to coaches and potential over stats and film from previous years.

 

Kendricks out of favor?:
A few people had foreseen this after the arrival of Stephen Tulloch, but then Mychal Kendricks played in the 4th quarter against the Steelers, turning a few heads.

If Kendricks is the only starter playing on Thursday, it could be interpreted in a few different ways..but none of them bode amazingly well for the 25 year old linebacker.

 

Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports