Head Coach Doug Pederson had some great news for the Thursday Night Football game during his press conference this morning. Like Pederson told the media today, “It’s good to start getting our guys back.”
When Coach was asked today whether or not wide receiver Alshon Jeffery would play, Pederson said, “I expect him to play.” Coach Pederson went on to say, “He feels good. It gives our offense a lift.” Coach also told the media that J.J. Arcega-Whiteside will be the back up for Jeffery. The starting wide receivers for Carson Wentz will be Jeffery, Nelson Agholor, and Mack Hollins. As Dave Spadaro reports, Pederson also confirmed that defensive end Derek Barnett will play and he believes that running back Corey Clement has a chance to take some snaps against Green Bay.
This news comes after Jeffery was a full participant in practice yesterday. Clement and Barnett were both listed as limited. The good news there is that Clement had not practiced at all last week, so this is definitely a step in the right direction in his recovery. One player we will not see on Thursday is DeSean Jackson which we should have expected. The Eagles seem to expect that he may be able to return for the game against the New York Jets, but time will tell.
Like Pederson, I am equally as excited to see Jeffery back in the line up to start for Wentz. It will be wonderful to get Clement back too and Barnett healthy enough to reach the QB. I was also encouraged when I read that Wentz worked with the receivers after practice ended yesterday. The seven drops last week are completely unacceptable and hopefully they spent a lot of the time they had in practice this week to correct the issue.
