The Philadelphia Eagles wrapped up their 15th, and final official day of training camp for the 2018 season on Tuesday. The team will still practice most days up until the 53-man roster cut downs, however media accessibility will be limited.
With camp coming to a close, take a look at the latest major story lines surrounding the team as they prepare for their preseason week 2, Super Bowl LII Rematch with the New England Patriots Thursday night.
Carson Wentz Update
Tuesday was quarterback Carson Wentz’s 12th straight day of not fully participating in practice. He mainly focused on rehab work off to a separate field. Carson spoke on his progress and indicated that “it’s going to be close”, as to whether or not he will be ready for the regular season opener. Per Dave Zangaro or NBC Sports Philadelphia:
“That’s what I felt really offseason,” Wentz said after today’s practice. “We’ve talked about it a ton. That’s been my goal. It’s no secret that it’s going to be close. We’ve seen where I’m at in camp and hopefully next week doing 11-on-11. I think, naturally, it’s going to be close. Ultimately, it won’t be my call, the coach’s call, ultimately, it’ll be up to the doctors.”
Whether or not Carson is on the field for week 1 remains to be seen. However, head coach Doug Pederson plans on inserting Wentz back into full-team drills next week.
Nick Foles
After fully participating in practice every day this week, Super Bowl LII MVP Nick Foles will make his preseason debut Thursday night against a familiar Foe, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Foles spoke on the matchup after Tuesday;s practice. Per Zach Berman of Philly.com:
“Pretty familiar with the opponent, obviously, it’s a new season, new personnel. It’ll be fun just to be back on the field. Obviously, it’s the last team we played.”
When Foles was asked if he has ever revived a congratulatory call or message from Tom Brady since the Super Bowl, foles responded
“No, I haven’t, we both have a lot going on in our lives, so you know, in time.” Per Tim McManus of ESPN.
Foles went on to say that he believes there is no bad blood between himself and Brady, and down played any significance of the story. One thing is for sure though, this Super Bowl rematch will be about as interesting of a first quarter of football one could ask for in a preseason game as a fan.
The Eagles will look to at least get a few series or so out of Foles, as it is becoming more of a realistic possibility that he could be the week 1 starter with Wentz's status remaining up in the air.
Alshon Jeffery
ESPN’s Ian Rapoport reported Monday, there is a possibility that wide receiver Alshon Jeffery could remain on the PUP list heading into the regular season. This would mean that Jeffrey would have to miss the first six games of the 2018 campaign.
The Eagles are faced with an interesting roster decision in regards to Jeffrey approaching week 1. Whether or not to Keep Jeffery on the PUP list, or carry him on the 53-man heading into the season, in hopes he is ready to go prior to week 7.
While the team does have an abundance of weapons on the offensive side of the ball, it remains safe to say not having the teams number one wide-out option for six weeks would be concerning, as wide receiver Nelson Agholor has also been dealing with a undisclosed lower-body injury. If Jeffery is not ready to go week 1, the team would consider starting either Mack Hollins or Shelton Gibson in his place. The offense would also most likely look to utilize two tight end sets with Zach Ertz and rookie Dallas Godert. The receiving core may have to re acclimate themselves with the “Next man up mentality” from the 2017 season.
