Alshon Jeffery playing mentor role to Eagles rookie WR Jalen Reagor

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Alshon Jeffery has taken on a mentor role with rookie wide receiver Jalen Reagor

[jwplayer eVVlRHOc]

There’s been a constant narrative surrounding Alshon Jeffery and how much of a team player he actually is when it comes to his chemistry among the Philadelphia Eagles. Jeffery has faced criticism from the media for his alleged role in negative information getting out about quarterback Carson Wentz.

Jeffery for his part has always carried a positive attitude in the Eagles locker room and Philadelphia’s 2020 first-round pick says the veteran wide receiver has played an integral role in his development from day one.

Jalen Reagor has a bright future in Philadelphia and during a Thursday zoom meeting, the rookie told reporters that Alshon Jeffery texted immediately after the draft and has stayed glued to his hip ever since.

Reagor also seemed to confirm that Jeffery is close to making his season debut.

Reagor, Travis Fulgham, Greg Ward, and Jeffery could give Carson Wentz the most balanced and versatile skill group that he’s ever had.

[listicle id=643091]

[lawrence-related id=643268,643265,643237]

Alshon Jeffery is back at practice as Eagles begin preparation for matchup with the Giants

Alshon Jeffery is back at practice as the Eagles begin preparation for a matchup with the Giants

[jwplayer AbPLJDr3]

The Philadelphia Eagles are preparing for the stretch run of the 2020 NFL season and one big weapon could be preparing to make his season debut. Alshon Jeffery has been working to return to form, while also dealing with trade rumors.

With the NFL’s trade deadline now passed and Jeffery still on the roster, it appears that the Eagles’ most naturally talented pass-catcher is primed and ready for some action finally.

With Jeffery likely set to make his season debut, the Eagles could have a skill group against New York that includes Alshon, Travis Fulgham, Jalen Reagor, Greg Ward and John Hightower. Fans are looking forward to Jeffery’s return as long as it doesn’t cut into Fulgham’s playing time.

Carson Wentz could have his most complete group of skill players going forward.

[listicle id=643091]

[lawrence-related id=643265,643237,643215,643224]

Eagles set to have WR Alshon Jeffery, RB Miles Sanders back at full strength

The Philadelphia Eagles are getting healthy at the right time and Ian Rapoport is reporting that both Miles Sanders and Alshon Jeffery should be returning.

[jwplayer 2aGWO7bJ]

The Philadelphia Eagles are set to return to action after the Week 9 bye and Ian Rapoport is reporting that the Bird should have some explosive reinforcements returning. Per Rapoport, both wide receiver Alshon Jeffery and running back Miles Sanders should return to the lineup.

Sanders leads the Eagles with 438 rushing yards despite leaving Philadelphia’s game against the Baltimore Ravens with a knee injury.

Alshon Jeffery has reportedly been close to a return and has been out since late in the 2019 season when he suffered a Lisfranc injury. What Jeffery’s return means to the wide receiving corps remains to be seen.

In his absence, Travis Fulgham has ascended over the past five weeks, while Jalen Reagor has returned from injury and Greg Ward leads the team in receptions.

[listicle id=643139]

[lawrence-related id=643151,643144,643140,643137]

Aqib Talib on what makes Eagles WR Alshon Jeffery such a difficult matchup for opposing CB’s

Aqib Talib speaks on the difficulties Alshon Jeffery presented to him as a wide receiver and what made him special as a route runner

[jwplayer 2aGWO7bJ]

The Eagles have a decision to make with wide receiver, Alshon Jeffery, and as fans and analysts alike call for Howie Roseman to move on from the mercurial wideout, one former star cornerback provides some insight into what he brings to Philadelphia.

Aqib Talib was among the top cornerbacks in the NFL after he was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the 2008 draft. A ballhawk and all-around tough-guy at the position, Talib became a five-time Pro Bowler with 35 career interceptions (tied for first among active players) and 10 pick-sixes (most among active players and fourth all-time).

During his stint with the Patriots and the Broncos, Talib had a few high-profile matchups with Jeffery and during a sitdown with Bleacher Report’s Adam Lefkoe, the NFL’s top ‘chain-snatcher’ provided some insight into what makes the Eagles star such a tough matchup.

“Because of how he moves, he’s unorthodox and he’s got a weird, fast movement that always gave me trouble.”

Jeffery has yet to play in a game for the Eagles this season, and he may not play at all, however, when healthy and available, he provides Carson Wentz with a receiving threat that not many cornerbacks in the NFL can deal with.

[listicle id=643139]

[lawrence-related id=643144,643140,643137]

Trade deadline passes without any moves from the Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles pass on making any deals as NFL trade deadline passes

[jwplayer joiCPFxl]

The 2020 NFL trade deadline has passed and in a surprise to many around the NFL community, the Eagles and Howie Roseman stood pat, declining on making any moves.

With the Eagles needing help at key positions like a linebacker, running back, and in the secondary, the team stayed quiet amid a pandemic and looming salary cap ramifications for next spring.

The Eagles are projected to be more than $65 million over next year’s cap, and they’ll likely carry over $24 million from this season. Eagles players mentioned in potential deals included tight end Zach Ertz, wide receiver, Alshon Jeffery, and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside.

Ertz and Jeffery’s injury status likely impeded any trade discussions, while the team’s lead in the NFC East also may have played a role.

Around the league, there were notable moves made like LB Avery Williamson landing with the Steelers, The Ravens acquiring pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue from the Minnesota Vikings and Carlos Dunlap landing in Seattle.

[listicle id=643032]

[lawrence-related id=643075,643067,643056,643052]

What Eagles HC Doug Pederson said after 23-9 win over the Cowboys

After the Eagles win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night Doug Pederson told reporters he never considered benching quarterback Carson Wentz

The Philadelphia Eagles are 3-4-1 on the season and clearly in first place in the NFC East after an ugly 23-9 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Even with the win, all is not well with the Philadelphia offense and they’ll need to all take a deep look in the mirror during the Week 9 bye.

Head coach Doug Pederson addressed the media after the win and here’s what he said about Carson Wentz, his play-calling, and the Eagles penchant for slow starts.

***

Doug Pederson on possibly pulling Carson Wentz after his fourth turnover: “There was never any conversation.” Eagles

Doug Pederson when asked if the bye will be good for Carson Wentz to take a break: “I think this is a good time for all of us.”

Doug Pederson on the Eagles 4 turnovers: “We can’t turn the ball over, bottom line… we got to Take ownership, to survive in this league”

Doug Pederson on the Eagles defensive effort: “My hat’s off to the defense, they played extremely well. Held them to nine points, three field goals, and just really did an outstanding job. Scored on defense. Played tough. Got after the quarterback. Really a complete game, defensively. It was really exciting to see and something we’ve got to carry into the second half of the season.”

Doug Pederson on whether Carson Wentz is pressing?: “I think there are times he probably feels that way. Probably a better question for Carson.”

“But we also continue to coach and [say] hey, you’ve got to trust the guys around you. Just execute the offense and all that. But I do feel like at times there might be some opportunities where he feels like he’s got to take it upon himself. And that’s just who he is. That’s the aggressive nature and his demeanor and I love having the ball in his hands. He’s also a great playmaker for us, and I never want to pull that ball out of his hand.”

[listicle id=643028]

[lawrence-related id=643047,643021,643005]

Cowboys vs Eagles Inactives, Captaing: No Lane Johnson, Sean Lee back

The inactives and captains for Week 8’s Sunday Night Football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles

The Dallas Cowboys injury situation has been catastrophic in 2020. Still, they did receive a fair bit of positive news on that front this week with the return of linebacker Sean Lee who was activated from injured reserve and Zack Martin who practiced all week after recovering from a concussion that kept him out of last Sunday’s game.

The two veterans, something Dallas has sorely needed in 2020, are active and ready to go against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football. There are no surprise inactives for the matchup tonight as there’s not many tough choices that need to be made. However, rookie defensive end Bradlee Anae returns to active duty after the team traded Everson Griffen earlier in the week.

The team’s rotating cast of captains honors goes to linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, running back and kick return Tony Pollard and kicker Greg Zuerlein.

The Eagles are missing some key pieces offensively, missing right tackle Lane Johnson who was ruled out earlier in the day with an ankle injury. They’re also without running back Miles Sanders and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery.

It hasn’t mattered who has lined up at running back for opponents of the Dallas defense to date, but Boston Scott will assume the lion’s share of those duties. First-round draft pick wide receiver Jalen Reagor will be active for the first time since Week 2 after having surgery to repair a torn UCL in his right thumb.

 

Eagles vs. Cowboys Final Injury Report: Miles Sanders among 5 ruled out for Sunday night

The Eagles will be without Miles Sanders and Alshon Jeffery for Sunday night’s game against the Dallas Cowboys

The Philadelphia Eagles released their final injury report for Sunday night’s huge matchup against the Dallas Cowboys and Miles Sanders was among five Birds ruled out.

OUT: T Jack Driscoll (ankle), CB Craig James (hamstring), WR Alshon Jeffery (calf), CB Cre’von LeBlanc (quadricep), RB Miles Sanders (knee).

Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson (knee, ankle) was a full participant Friday and has no injury designation on the final report, putting him on track to play Sunday.

[listicle id=642822]

[lawrence-related id=642899,642900,642893,642892]

Six points with David Dorey

David Dorey’s take on six items heading into the weekend

Week 8 is here, and playing the Falcons is  no longer as much fun. The Steelers are the last man standing with an unbeaten record but they are heading into Baltimore for their toughest matchup of the year. We’re still losing a couple of fantasy starters every week and some guys like Raheem Mostert and Michael Thomas are into their second injury of the season.

It’s been an odd year with plenty of injuries. But it is certainly memorable.

Six items thinking about for the weekend:

  1. WR Michael Pittman –  The Colts 2.02 pick was on injured reserve with a calf injury, but he’s been designated to come off. That gives the Colts a 21-day window starting last Wednesday to get him back onto the active roster. The 6-4 wideout from USC runs a 4.5/40 and caught 101 passes as a senior. The Colts passing offense has been a disappointment this year other than Week 6 against the Bengals.T.Y. Hilton hasn’t clicked with anyone since Andrew Luck left and at 30 years old, he could be on the permanent downturn.Parris Campbell was brought on as a deep threat but Pittman was hoped to become an every-down starter and big presence in the middle of the field. Marcus Johnson is just a fourth-year, undrafted wideout with never more than 277 yards in a season and he just posted 108 yards on five catches last week. Johnson’s is not the long-term solution that Pittman was drafted to become. He could still figure in later in the season.
  2. RB DeeJay Dallas – The utility back never gained more than 850 yards in Miami but he was the Seahawks fourth-round pick. Dallas moved up to No. 3 on the depth chart behind Chris Carson and Carlos Hyde. Travis Homer is also used but Carson, Hyde and Homer have not practiced this week. There is some hope that Hyde or Homer might get well enough to play against the visiting 49ers this week.The Seahawks move the offense based largely on what the backfield and two starting wide receivers. It’s always good to watch a back get a starting opportunity and Dallas may end up on the field this weekend. Practice on Friday will give more clarity but he’s the only 100% healthy back they currently have.
  3. WR Rashard Higgins  – The Browns lost Odell Beckham to a torn ACL so the rest of 2020 will have a new split end. Rashard Higgins was working from the slot and Donovan Peoples-Jones was the backup for Beckham. While Peoples-Jones ended with 56 yards and a touchdown on thre catches last week, Higgins will move into the starting role and already posted six catches for 110 yards last week.The Browns face the Raiders this week and then go into their bye. Returning in Week 10, they face the Texans, Eagles, Jaguars, and Titans next. Jarvis Landry has been banged up all year and has scored. He may see an uptick with Beckham out, but Higgins stands to benefit the most with Beckham out. The Browns prefer to run the ball, but Higgins already showed what can happen when they put him in a starting role.
  4. QB Ben DiNucci – The seventh-round pick from James Madison is in line to start for the Cowboys this week, and depending on how well he does and what happens with Andy Dalton, he may end up with more starts than just this week at the Eagles. This may not be pretty, given that DiNucci only threw three passes and yet was sacked three times and lost two fumbles to Washington last week in limited play.While there is a difference between playing the Eagles vs. Weber State or William and Mary, DiNucci threw for 3,441 yards and 29 touchdowns last year and he ran for 569 yards and seven scores. Considering the state of the Cowboy’s offensive line, DiNucci will still be running in the NFL. Whatever happens on Sunday will paint a picture for the rest of the season. Chances are it won’t be pretty, but it will be worth watching. And sure, start the Eagles defense this week.
  5. Trade rumors – The deadline is Tuesday at 4 PM EST. Some names that have been recently rumored to be CB Stephon Gilmore, WR Adam Thielen, WR Jamison Crowder,  WR Alshon Jeffery, WR Golden Tate, WR Keelan Cole, WR John Ross, RB David Johnson, WR Will Fuller, TE David Njoku, A.J. Green, and WR Michael Gallup.What is usually telling is when  player’s typical workload changes dramatically this week – either getting much more use than normal to show them off or holding players back to prevent them from getting hurt.
  6. Tight Ends 2020  – There’s been plenty of grumbling about how tight ends are not performing well this season. Let’s take a look at the Top-10 tight ends as of Week 7 in this year versus last:
    Oddly, there have been more touchdowns scored this year by the position but the catches and yards are down significantly. Notice too that the top tight ends were all doing well in 2019 but not only is it very jumbled after the first three, but that the fantasy points do not match up from the same rank. Kittle is a paragon of consistency with the same fantasy points at this point in each of the last two years. But the fantasy points have otherwise fallen.

    That’s going to make Travis Kelce, Darren Waller and George Kittle even more expensive in 2021. And the rest are going to wait even later in drafts.

Eagles vs. Cowboys Injury Report: Nate Gerry among 7 to not practice; Malik Jackson listed as limited

Nate Gerry was among seven Eagles players to not practice on Thursday

[jwplayer oJ4ctDg4]

The Philadelphia Eagles released their Thursday injury report and Nate Gerry was among 7 players to not practice. Malik Jackson was among the three others listed as limited participants.

DNP: Avery (elbow), Curry (illness), Driscoll (ankle), Gerry (ankle), James (hamstring), Jeffery (calf), Sanders (knee).

LIMITED: Malik Jackson (quad), T Lane Johnson (knee, ankle), CB Cre’von LeBlanc (quad).

FULL: K’Von Wallace (neck).

Jalen Reagor, T.J. Edwards, and Jason Peters have yet to be activated and added to the 53 man roster so they’re not currently listed as participants.

[listicle id=642822]

[lawrence-related id=642814,642820,642833]