By Patrick Del Gaone, Sports Talk Philly staff writer 
Philadelphia Eagles kicker Caleb Sturgis was back at practice today after having the weekend off due to a concussion suffered in pregame warmups against Pittsburgh.
The injury occurred when Donnie Jones’ errant punt ricocheted off Sturgis’ helmetless head during its descent. Jones wasn’t terribly sympathetic when he made a tongue-in-cheek remark to reporters before training on Monday.
"He’s good now. S—, he can’t get too mad," Jones said. "He got a few extra days off."
The former Florida Gators kicker told reporters that he’ll wear a helmet during warmups from now on. Not surprising to Philadelphia fans who have seen the way Jones annihilates a football, the top statistical punter in Eagles history has been through this type of situation before.
That wasn't the first time Donnie Jones hit a guy w/ a punt before a game. He said he hit a Cardinals DB in 2013, and almost got in a fight.
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) August 22, 2016
Sturgis showed no lingering effects this afternoon, nailing all five of his attempted field goals while Cody Parkey made four of five kicks. The lone miss was left of the uprights from 42 yards out, the longest try for the duo today with wind gusts of up to 20 MPH working against them.
Along with Sturgis, cornerback JaCorey Shepherd (hamstring), defensive tackle Mike Martin (knee) and safety Blake Countess (concussion) returned to the practice field. Just two Eagles were missing from Monday’s practice, wide receiver Jordan Matthews (knee) and cornerback Aaron Grymes (shoulder).
Despite head coach Doug Pederson telling reporters that Carson Wentz (ribs) is sore from throwing this past weekend and wouldn’t continue activity today, the rookie was seen throwing on the side from a modest distance of about 30 yards.
Or maybe Wentz is. He only tossed a few balls. Maybe a dozen. If I had to predict, I say he plays Sept 1. Might not be for long tho #Eagles
— Ed Kracz (@kracze) August 22, 2016
Wentz stated today that he was in fact wearing a flak jacket when the hairline fracture to his ribs occurred against Tampa Bay, but that the blitzing defensive back hit him in just the right spot. Wentz is targeting the fourth preseason game against the Jets for his return to the playing field.
"It’s killing me not to be out there," Wentz said. "It just takes time."
The Eagles will practice again tomorrow afternoon as the starters gear up for a heavy workload against the Colts on Saturday night.
