Coming out of a Week 8 bye, the Eagles are looking to turn around a once-promising season that has begun with a 3-4 record. But sitting just a half-game behind the division-leading New York Giants (4-4), they know there's still plenty of football left to play and a lot of opportunities for them to bounce back.
Head coach Chip Kelly spoke to reporters on Tuesday, touching on the status of several injured players, his observations after watching tape during the team's week off, the upcoming trade deadline and more.
A (Nearly) Clean Bill Of Health
With the exception of tackle Jason Peters (back), the Eagles had everybody participate in their first practice out of the bye week, including linebacker Kiko Alonso, who hasn't suited up since injuring his knee against the Cowboys in Week 2. Kelly said that he expects Peters to suit up when the Eagles travel to Dallas this Sunday, which is great to hear after the veteran tackle was carted off the field during a Week 7 loss to the Panthers with back spasms.
"Hopefully we'll get (Jason Peters) back tomorrow or the next day," Kelly said. "He got treatment, made progress. It looks like he's moving around, so we'll see. He may do some of the things today, but he won't be in drills."
The first official injury report of the week comes out on Wednesday.
Scouting The Cowboys
The last time the Eagles faced Dallas, a 20-10 loss in Week 2 of this season, quarterback Tony Romo was knocked out of the game with a broken collarbone after a sack by Jordan Hicks. Since then, the Cowboys haven't won a game, with Brandon Weeden starting and losing three games before head coach Jason Garrett turned over the reins of the offense to veteran Matt Cassel, who has dropped two straight.
With Romo still on the mend, Dallas is expected to stick with Cassel until that point. Here's what Kelly had to say about the 33-year-old signal-caller:
"I think the one thing that stands out about him a little bit different (than Weeden) is his ability to run," he said. "You've got a guy who not only is an accurate passer, but when things break down he can make things happen with his feet."
Cassel has completed 57.7 percent of his passes this season for 324 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. He ran four times for 43 yards against the Seahawks on Sunday.
All Quiet On The Trade Front
It shouldn't come as any surprise that Chip Kelly was mum about Tuesday's trade deadline when questioned about potential moves during his press conference. Asked whether or not expected the team to complete a deal before the 4 PM deadline, he simply said, "No."
The Eagles haven't acquired a player in a trade in-season since Kelly took over as head coach in 2013.
Watch the full press conference here or in the video player above.
