PHILADELPHIA — If you thought cornerbacks prided themselves on having short memories consider the actions of the latest acquisition by the Eagles.
Wide receiver Julio Jones, introduced to the media Wednesday, couldn’t remember any of the details from one of his greatest setbacks in an illustrious 12-year career that almost certainly will land him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
In the divisional playoff round of the Eagles’ 2017 Super Bowl championship season, Jones and Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan failed to connect on three throws from the 9-yard line with the clock running down at Lincoln Financial Field. On fourth down, Jones fell, regained his feet, leaped high and watched a Ryan pass spiral through his hands in the end zone while defender Jalen Mills crowded him. The Eagles prevailed, 15-10.
“I can’t, really,” Jones said. “That’s a long time. But, I mean, like I said, I’m enjoying it here. I’m glad to be here. I’m going to go out and compete and have fun.”
Maybe it will sink in when the 34-year-old Jones suits up Sunday night when the Eagles oppose the Dolphins in prime time at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles (5-1) are 2.5-point favorites over the Dolphins (5-1), who average a league-high 37.1 points per game. The over/under for those so inclined is 52 points.
What role the Eagles have for Jones, who showed them enough fancy route running during a recent workout, remains to be seen. He’s not choosy.
“It’s my first day,” Jones said. “The biggest thing for me is go out there and learn as much as I can right now. The team needs me to fit in, and I’m willing to do it. I’m a veteran. I can move around, whatever the case may be.”
It’s early but Jones appreciates the camaraderie in the Eagles’ locker room. He’s certainly not the first vet to mention it, and it’s unlikely he’ll be the last. Suffice it to say former Titans teammate A.J. Brown, who is 26 years old, made him feel welcome.
“A.J. has always been a little brother to me,” Jones said. “So now it’s more like I’ve got to lean on those guys to kind of show me the ropes. It’s fun.”
Jones said the Eagles weren’t the only team to make overtures for his services, but that this opportunity just seemed right. He knew he’d made the right decision fighting his way through traffic while the Phillies and Flyers played across the street from each other Tuesday, while an international soccer game was played at the Linc.
“Philly is an amazing place,” Jones said. “The people here, the fans here, everything. It was packed. I stay like seven minutes from here, and it took like 20-to-30 minutes just to go like a mile and a half down the road. It was crazy. Philly does a great job with their fan base coming out and supporting their ballclubs and their sports.”
Jones is eager to catch passes from Jalen Hurts, who he called an “amazing talent.”
“Still a younger guy, but amazing talent,” Jones said. “Everything he does, and he has a lot of ownership. He’s a competitor. He’s a leader. Everything you’d want in a quarterback.”
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Four key Eagles sat out practice Wednesday.
The list included Reed Blankenship (ribs), right tackle Lane Johnson (ankle), cornerback Bradley Roby (shoulder) and wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring).
Limited at practice were defensive tackles Jalen Carter (ankle) and Milton Williams (ankle), tight end Dallas Goedert (groin) and cornerback Darius Slay (knee).
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The Dolphins have their share of injuries as well.
Veteran cornerback Xavien Howard (groin) topped the list, having been injured in the rout of the Panthers, and there is concern based on his medical history that he could be scratched this weekend.
The other Dolphins who didn’t practice Wednesday are running backs Chris Brooks (ankle-knee) and Alec Ingold (foot), offensive tackle Kendall Lamm (not injury related) and center Connor Williams (groin).
Limited were cornerbacks Kader Kohou (neck), Nik Needham (Achilles’ tendon) and Jalen Ramsey, the latter in his 21-day window after surgery to an MCL.
Source: Berkshire mont