Good morning, Eagles fans! The Birds held a light practice Tuesday at the NovaCare Complex. Today, they will hold a morning walk-through before traveling to Cleveland ahead of their third preseason game against the Browns. Our live coverage begins Thursday with The Kickoff Show presented by Axalta at 7:50 p.m. In today's Morning Roundup presented by Microsoft, read about Nick Foles' perspective of the big matchup, the battle at running back, and more.
1. Crunch Time For Nick Foles
Nick Foles hurt his shoulder when he was sacked in the second quarter of last week's preseason game against the New England Patriots. He came off the field and was evaluated but managed to stay on the sideline for the rest of the game without needing to go into the locker room.
Foles hasn't missed any time in practice as a result of this injury and the Eagles plan to start him against the Browns. This game is important for Foles after he struggled in New England and uncertainty surrounds his future role with the team. Eagles Insider Dave Spadaro has more:
"That's a challenge. That's a challenge for anyone in my situation," Foles said on Tuesday at the NovaCare Complex. "You just don't know. I think that's where, as I told y'all during the playoffs (of 2017), I just stayed in the moment. Like, really focusing on today, in this moment, because that's all I can control. It's hard at times. There are times when your mind wanders and then you start dealing with it. But that just takes you off the moment and what you need to do right now."
2. Another Position Battle to Watch
One of the best position battles is the competition for the fourth running back spot. With Jay Ajayi, Corey Clement, and Darren Sproles all but guaranteed to hold the top three slots, Josh Adams, Matt Jones, Donnel Pumphrey, and Wendell Smallwood are fighting for the fourth, and most likely final, spot on the roster.
Each player has had varying amounts of reps on the practice field and in preseason as injuries have complicated playing time. Hear from each of them ahead of the team's third preseason game.
3. The Magic Returns
Former Eagle Jon Dorenbos is back in Philadelphia this week to perform in "An Evening With Jon Dorenbos" on Friday and Saturday night. Dave Spadaro caught up with Dorenbos as he arrived back in Philadelphia:
"I'm always excited to come back to Philly and see all the great Eagles fans who supported me during my time here," said Dorenbos, a two-time Pro Bowl player with the Eagles in his 11 seasons here. "They've always been the best. I love them. I love being here."
4. Fearless Leader
Head coach Doug Pederson's book Fearless: How an Underdog Becomes a Champion was released yesterday, telling the story of the Eagles' 2017 season through the eyes of the head coach. The book shows a more personal side of the usually private coach and includes details from game-planning the Philly Special to riding roller coasters two days before the Super Bowl. Fans can read about the book release here:
"When the project was first introduced, I was against it," Pederson said. "Quite honestly, I didn't want to do it. Then I got to thinking, it's a way for people, I think, to see me in a different light. You guys see me like this as coach, being around the team. I'm a very private person. I don't talk about myself, my family a bunch. It's just a way for people to kind of get to know me outside of football. I didn't want it to be a sports book. If it's motivational, if it's inspirational, if it's spiritual, or whatever it is, that's kind of the message behind this project."
5. A Cover-Worthy Comeback
Carson Wentz donned the cover of Sports Illustrated’s annual NFL Preview edition. The Eagles' quarterback joined Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, Texans' quarterback Deshaun Watson, and 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman as the four regional cover athletes, each coming back from a season-ending injury last year.
