The Philadelphia Eagles returned to the practice field on November 16 for their first workout following a 12-day layoff during the bye week. The team kept it light and loose, mostly focusing on drills in a session closed to the media. However, head coach Nick Sirianni revealed that two players endured a heated moment in the auditorium while watching film in what he termed a “shoot-off.”
No follow-up questions were asked so it’s unclear exactly what Sirianni was trying to say. Was it a one-on-one drill that carried over from the practice field? Or was Driscoll questioning Carter on his alleged shoplifting incident at a local Target store? Sirianni shared the tale when answering a query about how he was setting the tone with his players after the bye week. He harped on how it was important for them to grow off the field as well as on it.
“We just talked about how important their fundamentals and detail is and continuing on that,” Sirianni told reporters. “And then just talked about how important it is that we continue to gel and become more and more of a team. You’re not only trying to grow on the field; you’re trying to grow off the field as well.
“So, I just reminded them of, how do you do that? You do that by spending time with each other, by competing against one another. Right about where you’re standing, Jack Driscoll and Jalen Carter had a little shoot-off right there, and Jalen won that one. It wasn’t pretty, though.”
Eagles’ Bradley Roby Expected to Return to Slot Cornerback Role
Bradley Roby was a full participant at practice on Thursday after the 31-year-old cornerback missed the Eagles’ 28-23 victory over the Cowboys in Week 9. Dallas feasted on the middle of the field, targeting slot man CeeDee Lamb at will until Darius Slay saved the day, as the Eagles struggled to cover the slot.
Roby, who was dealing with an injured shoulder, appears ready to return and man the nickel cornerback spot this week. against Kansas City. Good thing since their options are running thin at the position.
“I just think he’s got a lot of experience, and he’s sticky in coverage, and he’s smart. He’s tough,” Sirianni said of Roby. “If he’s available, which we’ll see, that will be helpful for our football team. If not, he’s just going to continue to work hard to get back on the field to help us going down the stretch.”
Meanwhile, tight end Grant Calcaterra (concussion) was a full participant according to the practice report. Ditto for right guard Cam Jurgens (foot) who had been on injured reserve since October 7. Safety Justin Evans (knee) was limited and tight end Dallas Goedert (forearm) didn’t see the field. Goedert is expected to miss extended time, although the Eagles have yet to place him on injured reserve.
Jason Kelce Blocking Out ‘Familiar’ Noise vs. Chiefs
Jason Kelce spent his time at the podium answering questions about his newfound fame stemming from his “Sexiest Man Alive” nod in People magazine as well as his brother’s burgeoning romance with pop princess Taylor Swift. He also charted the top song on iTunes this week: “Fairytale of Philadelphia” off the new “A Philly Special Christmas” album. So, yes, he has a lot going on … but the emphasis remains on football, not celebrity.
And despite all the familial connections to the Chiefs, along with his professional love for Andy Reid — the man who drafted him in Philly — this is just another football game. The Eagles aren’t overthinking it.
“As with every week, there’s a lot of familial attachment to this game on my side, you really have to focus on, what do we need to do? And I think if you look at that outside noise you’re really doing yourself and your teammates a disservice,” Kelce told reporters. “So the same things that allow us to be successful every week are going to come down to this game — you know, taking care of the football, being smart, executing in the red zone … things that we’ve improved on during the season and if the offense can continue to do those things well this week, and the defense focuses on the things they need to focus on, then I think regardless of who we’re playing then we’ll be good.”
Kelce did admit that it would be nice to finally beat Kansas City which is one of only two NFL franchises he’s never beaten in his career. The other one? The Seahawks. They pop up on the Eagles’ schedule in Week 15 on December 17 in Seattle.
AP Photo/Matt Slocum
