Good Monday morning, Eagles fans! Welcome to another week in preparation for the 2019 season. Today, the team will participate in a joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens at the NovaCare Complex. In this edition of Morning Roundup presented by Microsoft, we will cover all the biggest stories from this past weekend. Let's jump right in!
Friday
Former Army offensive tackle Brett Toth signs with Eagles after receiving military waiver
On Friday, the 6-6, 290-pound offensive tackle signed with the Eagles. Brett Toth, a second lieutenant, signed with the team because of the ability to learn from offensive line coach/run game coordinator Jeff Stoutland. For the story on his journey at West Point and making his way to Philadelphia, check out the full story by Chris McPherson.
"I'm excited for the opportunity, more excited to get out on the field and get a playbook in my hands and start getting after it," Toth said after signing his contract at the NovaCare Complex. "I'm ready to get back out there and off the sidelines."
Saturday
QB Josh McCown: 'It was an easy sell, to be quite honest'
Throughout the spring and summer quarterback Josh McCown would receive a text message from a coach or an inquiry from an NFL team about his availability for the 2019 NFL season. Each time, McCown would consider the circumstances, all of them, and decline the opportunity. Yet, he has now joined the Eagles and is eager to get started. Dave Spadaro chatted with him about this decision and what this organization means to him. Read the full story here.
"The whole organization in general, just where they've been the last few years under Howie (Roseman) and Doug's (Pederson) leadership, winning a championship and just the standard of excellence that they pursue and to come be a part of that and to have this opportunity this late in my career, to keep it going, I'm just excited to be part of it," McCown said on Saturday, minutes after signing his one-year contract at the NovaCare Complex.
Eagles, QB Josh McCown agree on a one-year contract
With the current backup quarterback situation, the Eagles signed quarterback Josh McCown to a one-year deal in the midnight green. The Eagles are McCown's 12th team (including one year in the United Football League and one stint in the preseason with the Miami Dolphins) and 2019 is his 17th season in the NFL. Eagles Insider Dave Spadaro dives into why McCown has come out of retirement to be an Eagle.
"He's experienced, he's hungry to reach the postseason, and McCown has a live arm. It's not going to take him much time at all to get up to speed, which is a good thing because the Eagles don't have a whole lot of time to get him ready for the regular season."
An encouraging 2019 debut: WR Mack Hollins is back
The 6-4 wide receiver entered this past week healthy, ready to make a comeback after a trying year of recovering from an injury. Even after missing the season, Hollins had his ups and downs recovering through the spring and into Training Camp. Not until recently has Hollins been able to go full speed day after day in camp. Check out the full story on his journey thus far, and where he wants to end up.
"It means a lot. It was a long journey," Hollins said after Thursday night's preseason game in Jacksonville. "Unfortunately, it's been a little while since I've been out here, but it was awesome being out there with my teammates, running around, feeling good."
Sunday
Doug Pederson: Josh McCown adds value, depth to quarterback room
Head coach Doug Pederson said once again on Saturday that he has not been part of a Training Camp where multiple quarterbacks suffered injuries that resulted in time lost on the field. This unique situation calls for a unique solution, which is where Josh McCown comes in. Check out what Pederson had to say on the topic here.
"It kind of falls in line with not only the injury situation, but also the fact that when we have an opportunity to add a little value, add a little depth, add a little competition to that spot, a veteran guy who has been around the league," Pederson said, jokingly noting that the 40-year-old McCown is closer to his age.
Brandon Brooks takes important step closer to full action
Dave Spadaro talked with Brooks about where he is at in his comeback and what he is expected to do in the future. Check out his full analysis here.
"One-on-ones are the closest you can get to 'team' (11-on-11) parts of practice and still have a controlled environment, so it's one step in the right direction," Brooks said on Sunday. "If things go well there, we'll move into the team stuff. That's always been the plan, to see how I'll react to the one-on-one drills.
Eagles gift $5,600 check to fund Norristown Youth team's 2019 season
On Sunday, the Eagles welcomed members of the Norristown Youth to practice at the NovaCare Complex. This organization was struggling financially, so the Eagles decided to step in and help by funding their 2019 season. Check out the whole back story and the impact this has on the kids here.
"They appreciate it very much. I appreciate it very much," athletic director Blayne Pierce said. "I'm a fan of programs like this and situations like this. You can't ask for anything better than this experience. They helped save our season."
A big-picture look at the Eagles, position by position
Eagles Insider Dave Spadaro offers a comprehensive guide of the team position by position. He evaluates every group stating who has shined and who needs to improve. For the full story click here.
"A very talented wide receiver room showed its depth in Jacksonville as Miles Sanders, who started the game, shined with some early bursts, Jordan Howard was effective moving the chains and running hard inside, Josh Adams ran with a purpose and scored a touchdown, and both Donnel Pumphrey and Boston Scott had highlight runs late in the game."
Practice Notes: Josh McCown gets first taste of Eagles offense
Sunday marked the Eagles' first practice since Thursday night's preseason win over Jacksonville. It was a 10-10-10 workout, a lighter 90-minute session, with the Baltimore Ravens set to arrive in Philadelphia for a pair of joint practices beginning Monday. Click here for 13 takeaways from Sunday's practice, courtesy of Fran Duffy, Ben Fennell, and Chris McPherson.
