By: Jesse Larch, Sports Talk Philly Staff
The Eagles' held a walkthrough on Tuesday at the Nova Care Complex ahead of their preseason opener in Green Bay.
The short practice yielded few answers to how the team will lineup on Thursday night with head coach Doug Pederson only saying that Carson Wentz will start the game. There has not been a decision about how long Wentz will stay in the game for.
Pederson also would not commit to playing Alshon Jeffery on Thursday night. Jeffery was seen catching balls on a separate field from where practice was taking place, and did not take part in team drills today.
Pederson did discuss the status of the slot receiver position, and said that he does not expect Jordan Matthews to take on a smaller role this season, as has been reported.
Also absent on Tuesday was right guard Brandon Brooks, with a strained ankle. Chance Warmack took snaps with the first team in place of Brooks, and could be in line for the start in Thursday night if Brooks is unable to play.
With limited reps to go around during a short practice, two players managed to stand out.
Running Back Donnel Pumphrey had his first good day of training camp after being a standout during mini camp. Pumphrey is coming off of a hamstring injury that saw him miss a few practices last week, and today Pumphrey appeared to be regaining his explosiveness as he got a chance to get some reps with Wendell Smallwood absent from practice for a second straight day.
Pumphrey also was used as a kick returner alongside Nelson Agholor in special teams drills, a role that could allow Pumphrey to utilize his quickness in the open field.
On the defensive side of the ball Jalen Mills made a good play on a Matt McGloin pass to come up with an interception. Mills has been trending upward over the past couple of days. Early in camp Mills was getting beat often and now he has risen to the challenge and is making more good plays than bad.
The Eagles added another wrinkle to their offense as they prepare for their first preseason game, executing a trick play that saw Darren Sproles attempt a pass to Trey Burton. Burton got wide open on the play, but Sproles missed the target.
In addition to Brooks and Smallwood, Paul Turner, Anthony Denham, and Josh Andrews also missed practice. Fletcher Cox, tight end Adam Zaruba made their returns to the practice field.
The biggest news to come out of practice Tuesday was that the Eagles' released an unofficial depth chart as they get ready to travel to Green Bay:
Here's a look at the #Eagles first unofficial depth chart. Starters look right to me. pic.twitter.com/y2wRVqpLrG
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroCSN) August 8, 2017
There are no real surprises on the depth chart, and we will see how closely the team follows the depth chart on Thursday night. The Eagles do not have practice tomorrow as they rest before for the team's preseason opener.