Head coach Doug Pederson told reporters that wide receiver DeSean Jackson would "do a little more" this week as he inches closer to returning from an abdominal strain that's sidelined him for the past three games.
"We're going to push him a little more this week to do some more running and things like that," Pederson said.
Does that mean he will play Sunday in Minnesota?
"We'll see. He's getting close," Pederson said.
Jackson accounted for two of the Eagles' three explosive (20+ yards) plays in the win over Washington. The Eagles have had 12 explosive plays since the season opener (11 passes, 1 run). However, both of Jackson's explosive plays were 50-plus-yard touchdowns. The Eagles have two explosive play touchdowns in Jackson's absence, but no single play of more than 43 yards.
"You miss his explosiveness, obviously, the threat to stretch a defense, his ability to get open. Yeah, you miss that," Pederson said. "At the same time, we can't make excuses for it. We got to help him get healthy and back on the field and then play with the guys that we have."
The Eagles will be without running back/punt returner Darren Sproles this Sunday against the Vikings. He exited Sunday's win over the Jets with a quad strain and is "week to week," according to Pederson. Nelson Agholor and Corey Clement will pick up Sproles' punt return duties. Clement muffed a punt Sunday that led to the Jets' only points. It was Clement's second special teams turnover of the year.
"I am confident (in Clement)," Pederson said. "We just got to get him reps this week. He's missed some time, obviously. He hasn't done enough of it in practice because he's been working special teams in other areas. We got to get him some reps this week whether we do it live off of Cam's (Johnston) foot or the JUGS machine."
Good news from an injury standpoint is that Pederson expects Sidney Jones to be able to play against the Vikings.
"I anticipate that," Pederson said. "We should get him into practice this week and expect him next Sunday."
Jones was questionable for Sunday's game with a hamstring injury. He suited up, but did not play. Rasul Douglas (58 of 59 snaps) and Craig James (57 snaps) played on the outside and Orlando Scandrick had an outstanding Eagles debut out of the slot.
Scandrick became just the fifth NFL defensive back since 1993 to record at least two sacks and two forced fumbles in a single game. He is only the fifth Eagles defensive back to post at least two sacks in a single game.
