Quarterback Mike Kafka may be having the most unusual summer of any player on the team.
After arriving to Training Camp solidified as the backup quarterback, Kafka showcased his improved arm strength and understanding of the game. But a hand injury in the first week of the preseason has kept him out of the past two games. In his absence, rookie Nick Foles has stated his own case for the primary backup spot.
Now, with the final preseason game arriving Thursday, Kafka has a chance to play – and prove himself once again.
Kafka suffered a fractured bone in his non-throwing hand against the Steelers at the start of preseason. However, offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said Monday that Kafka has been cleared to take snaps and is day-to-day. He will practice Monday, and the possibility remains that Kafka could suit up for the final preseason game Thursday night.
Though sitting on the sidelines isn't easy, Kafka has stayed resilient. In fact, he said he's been using the experience as a learning opportunity.
"I think you can go two ways," Kafka said. "The way I approached it was learning as much as I could. You can definitely get better by watching, so I work on that."
In his absence, Foles has surprised many and could now be pushing for the primary backup spot. Despite all the talk about the rookie, Kafka isn't concerned about his role with the team. He's only focused on the here and now.
"For me, I'm just worried about today at practice," Kafka said. "(My hand is) feeling good; ready to take some snaps. I think today in practice will be important to go out there and play and get some of those reps."
Despite the dimmed spotlight, Kafka remains the only backup on the team who has played with the team during the regular season. And although he is still rehabbing from his injury, Kafka believes he'll be able to return and contribute if needed.
"Any injury is tough," Kafka said. "You have to deal with it and overcome it, and I think I'm doing a good job of that."
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