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:
#Eagles say Jordan Matthews will be practicing today. He said he will be ready for season opener pic.twitter.com/SdCg8jdISV
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) August 29, 2016
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.
Carson Wentz said he won't be able to play Thursday. Expects to be ready to go by Week 1.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) August 29, 2016
Doug Pederson said Carson Wentz had a CT scan done and he still has a rib injury. Probably won’t play this Thursday. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) August 29, 2016
Coach Pederson: Carson Wentz had two injured ribs. CT scan shows one is fully healed while one is 60%. We'll continue to monitor him.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) August 29, 2016
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.
Coach Pederson: Vinny Curry and Taylor Hart both suffered knee injuries on Saturday but they should be on track to play in season opener.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) August 29, 2016
Coach Pederson: Jordan Matthews will practice today. Seumalo is still day-to-day. Smallwood is in concussion protocol.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) August 29, 2016
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.
Pederson said he wanted to get Randle and Givens a chance to get on another roster. Want to build with youth. Hints at keeping only 5 WRs.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 29, 2016
We've got some young guys that created a competition. That's what we wanted and that's what we got – Doug Pederson on cutting Randle/Givens
— 97.5 The Fanatic (@975TheFanatic) August 29, 2016
In releasing veterans Randle, Givens and Martin, #Eagles Pederson said young guys pushing for jobs. Interesting to note 11 UFA still here.
— Ed Kracz (@kracze) August 29, 2016
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.
Mychal Kendricks played in the 4th quarter because Eagles said he needed more work. Kendricks is expected to be only starter playing Thurs.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) August 29, 2016
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
