PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles left NovaCare Complex on Friday sounding mostly healthy and sharper after the bye yet still unsure about the status of their Pro Bowl center for Monday night at Lambeau Field.
Center Cam Jurgens (knee), who was injured in the Vikings game Oct. 19, did not participate for a second straight day, putting his availability in doubt against the Packers. Cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, who was limited Thursday with a concussion designation, did not practice Friday either.
Running back Saquon Barkley (groin) and wideout A.J. Brown (hamstring) were full participants, as were center/guard Willie Lampkin (knee/ankle), corner Jakorian Bennett (pectoral) and edge rusher Nolan Smith (triceps).
“Man, it feels good,” Smith said of returning to action from IR this week. He had been out since late September after reaggravating his surgically repaired triceps. “I’m happy to be back at practice, happy to be back at work with my guys. It just feels amazing.
“I knew I was working my way back, just keeping my head down and working. I think we added great additions to the (edge rusher) room. We got (Brandon Graham) back and then we added J.P. (Jaelan Phillips). We got a bunch of hungry guys ready to go work and go eat.”
Coach Nick Sirianni praised the hurried onboarding of the team’s three trade pickups — pass rusher Phillips and corners Jaire Alexander and Michael Carter II — while underscoring that the plan won’t change if some of the new faces need more time.
“Talented guys that have played a bunch of good football in the NFL, each bringing a different thing and bringing depth to our positions,” Sirianni said. “I was really, really excited about our roster how it was, and it’s been awesome to be able to add to it.”
Carter, 26, who excelled in the slot (as well as a bit at safety) during his career with the Jets and in college, has been settling in nicely. He reunites with Joe Kasper, the Eagles’ safeties coach, who coached him at Duke.
“Guys are super tight-knit,” Carter said. “So just being welcomed into this culture and learning everything about it and becoming a part of it, I’m excited to be able to do that.”
Outside corner Jaire Alexander, 28, a former All-Pro with the Packers recently acquired from the Baltimore Ravens, is excited for a fresh start here. After a couple years of battling injuries, he feels like he can return to form.
“I’m more interested in proving to myself that I can be where I know I can be,” he said. “I’m gonna bring some energy, I’m gonna bring some swag, confidence. … Hopefully we can take this thing to the next level.”
The Eagles (6–2) sit atop the NFC East entering Week 10, with quarterback Jalen Hurts pacing the offense at 1,677 passing yards and 15 touchdowns with just one pick. Saquon Barkley, who had an uneven start to the season, came to life with 150 rushing yards against the Giants just before the bye.
DeVonta Smith is the top receiver with 588 yards. A.J. Brown missed the last game with a hamstring strain, but he expects to be on the field Monday night.
Against Minnesota and the Giants heading into the break, the Birds looked more complete than they had all season.
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Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X at @the_defranc.
Source: Berkshire mont