Head coach Doug Pederson addressed the media on Saturday morning for the final time ahead of Monday night's showdown with the New York Giants. Here are the highlights:
1. Injury update
Four players missed Friday's practice: wide receiver Nelson Agholor (knee), defensive end Derek Barnett (ankle), linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill (concussion), and tackle Lane Johnson (not injury related - personal reasons).
Pederson said that Agholor and Barnett will be more like game-time decisions. Both are officially questionable. Grugier-Hill is in the concussion protocol after he reported symptoms to the team on Thursday. He is out for the Giants game.
If Agholor is unable to go, the Eagles will have just three wide receivers in J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Alshon Jeffery, and Greg Ward. Pederson mentioned that tight end Joshua Perkins, who was brought up from the practice squad last week, could have a bigger role. The Eagles could make a roster move if needed.
Pederson said that if Barnett is out, the Eagles could add either Daeshon Hall or Shareef Miller to the active gameday roster. It would mean a bigger role for Genard Avery and Josh Sweat.
Running back Jordan Howard has been limited in practice, but needs to be cleared for contact before he can return to game action. Howard if officially questionable for Monday night. Pederson said that he wants to give Jay Ajayi and Boston Scott more touches on Monday night to make sure rookie Miles Sanders isn't worn down.
2. Weather plan
Rain is in the forecast for Monday night. Pederson said that he won't adjust his playcalls until gameday when he can see the impact that the weather will have on the game. But he will have the players practice in longer cleats to help get adjusted a potentially wet field. He added that they've done wet ball drills with the quarterbacks in the past, but he doesn't feel the need to make too much of a deal about it.
3. Padded practice reaction
The Eagles held a padded practice on Thursday. The Collective Bargaining Agreement limits the amount of padded practices that a team can have during the regular season. Pederson wanted to get the players in pads following the extra day of rest with the game on Monday night. He was pleased with how the practice went.
"Guys responded extremely well," Pederson said.
4. It's official: Eli Manning will start at quarterback
The Giants officially ruled rookie quarterback Daniel Jones out for Monday night's game due to a high ankle sprain. Eli Manning will start at quarterback.
Tight end Evan Engram (foot), cornerback Corey Ballentine (concussion), and tight end Rhett Ellison (concussion) were also ruled out. Starting safety Jabrill Peppers (back) was placed on Injured Reserve.
