Good morning, Eagles fans! Happy Thursday! Today the team will practice at 1:30 p.m. as they prep for the season opener against the Washington Redskins. Offensive coordinator Mike Groh and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz will speak with the media prior to practice. Both press conferences will be livestreamed here and on our social media platforms beginning at 12:30 p.m. In this edition of Morning Roundup presented by Microsoft, there is a lot to cover so let's dive into the top stories.
1. A special homecoming for DeSean Jackson
After signing with the Eagles this past March, DeSean Jackson has been waiting to get back on the field in that midnight green. That moment will come this Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. Eagles Insider Dave Spadaro talks with Jackson about his return to Philadelphia and what he wants to contribute to this team. Check out the full story here.
"Coming back here and seeing so many familiar faces and knowing my way around, from that very first step, it's been just wonderful," Jackson says. "I'm so happy to be embraced by the team and by the fans. It's special to be wanted. This is where I belong. It's great to be back."
2. Sights set on Washington: A trip around the locker room
As the first game of the season is only days away, Darren Sproles, Brandon Brooks, Nigel Bradham, Miles Sanders, and Fletcher Cox share their thoughts on the opener. Eagles Insider Dave Spadaro talks with the guys about the game and provides insight on where they in their preparation. Check out the full piece here.
"We have to come out and start fast as a defensive unit, as a defensive line," Cox said. "They always try to come out and run the football and we're pretty good at stopping the run. When we're doing that, we're a good defense. We want to put teams in second-and-long and third-and-long situations. At the end of the day, man, we have to make it about us and not about them. We have to come out and play as a group, as a team. When we do that, this team is really good."
3. Eagles in great shape from a health perspective entering Week 1
The first official injury report was released on Wednesday and only three Eagles did not participate: linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill (knee), tackle Jordan Mailata (back), and quarterback Nate Sudfeld (wrist).
Four other Eagles were limited participants: defensive end Derek Barnett (shoulder), guard Brandon Brooks (Achilles), safety Rudy Ford (Achilles), and center Jason Kelce (not injury related - rest).
That means players like linebacker Nigel Bradham, defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, and cornerback Ronald Darby who did not play in the preseason were full go.
For Washington, there are two key injuries to keep an eye on. Slot corner Fabian Moreau did not participate in Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury. Rookie Jimmy Moreland is in position to play there. Tight end Jordan Reed is in the concussion protocol. He was limited on Wednesday.
