The Eagles returned to the NovaCare Complex after a well-earned rest day on Friday. Here’s everything you need to know.
Injury update
There was quite the injury update following Thursday night’s preseason loss to Tennessee.
We broke down the Lane Johnson and Dallas Goedert injuries below, but the main takeaway is that the Eagles are playing it safe due to the nature of preseason and camp practices. Who can blame them after last year? Pederson is wise to keep two of his most valuable offensive chess pieces out of harms way while they work back from minor injuries.
Blake Countess missing multiple weeks could open the door for Jonathan Cyprien, who was only recently signed by the team, to step up and make an impact. Cyprien made a good impression in preseason action and there is every possibility that Sendejo and Cyprien make the roster as the third and fourth safeties.
Shelton Gibson’s injury could also carry some weight. Marken Michel broke off after tracking a Nate Sudfeld pass for a 75-yard TD reception on Thursday night and that’s going to apply real pressure to guys like Gibson and Hollins.
Paul Worrillow returned to practice in pads however, which is a really strong sign for the veteran linebacker, who is now in a roster battle of his own.
While we’re on the topic of injuries, Ronald Darby took part in 7-on-7 action for the first time this offseason. It will be very interesting to see how the secondary shakes up now Darby is back in the mix. Will he take first-team reps over Douglas and automatically resume his CB1 duties, or will he have to earn them back from a very competitive group.
Derek Barnett also made his return to team activities which is huge. DE depth is minimal and Barnett has been out of action all offseason. This will hopefully take some weight off the younger guys and allow the Eagles to spread things out a little more. Especially with the recently acquired Eli Harold, expect a lot of focus around the DE’s over the next few weeks.
Sega continues to shine
The rookie receiver out of Stanford almost came down with a euphoric catch on Thursday night, but was unable to hold on as he hit the turf. he made up for that with a stunning reception on Saturday down at the NovaCare Complex, accompanying another strong practice.
JJAW caught 2 passes for 23 yards against the Titans and figures to build on that next week.
Wis struggles
Wisniewski’s journey back inside hasn’t exactly gone to plan so far. The veteran lineman was bumped to backup Jason Kelce, making way for Big V at RG, but he has struggled with snapping the ball ever since.
I genuinely feel as though at this point, Wis could be very firmly on the roster bubble, especially if someone like Keegan Render can appear less error-prone between now and roster cutdowns.
Gerry making up ground
Nate Gerry was fairly solid in the preseason opener aside from allowing a touchdown but he seems keen to get back on track. Gerry picked off Carson Wentz and with Worrilow working his way back, this could be a turning point.
Gerry has to keep building momentum. Having recently bulked up in preparation to play the MLB spot, he needs to keep making plays if he is to really assert himself in contention for a defensive role in 2019.
Thorson is um….improving?
It’s safe to say Clayton Thorson was underwhelming at best on Thursday, completing 2/9 passes. The fifth-round pick was drawn plenty of criticism and may have lost trust from the coaches, especially after handing the ball off on three consecutive occasions.
But then, eureka.
It’s a tiny step. But if Thorson can somehow make this a consistent effort, the project QB may have life yet.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
