Eagles WR DeSean Jackson Returns from Back Injury, Offense Improves
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Philadelphia wide receiver DeSean Jackson returned from his back injury today at Eagles training camp, rejoining the first team offense which was a bit rusty last night. The wideout continued his media silence after practice, refusing to speak but giving a thumbs up when asked how he felt. Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb seemed to feel pretty good about the return of his top target, at one point connecting with Jackson on three out of four plays during a two minute drill.
The Eagles offense looked much sharper than it did during Flight Night last night, when some rust and mistakes were apparent. Tight end Brent Celek said the unit improved its execution today, “As an offense, we struggled. We can’t have practices like that if we want to be good, and we picked it up today.”
Celek downplayed the effect that missing Jackson and Maclin would have on the offense developing chemistry with a first-year starter at quarterback. “It’s a part of the game. Guys are going to get hurt. We’ve all worked with Kevin, it just helps having them out here. DeSean’s back and Maclin will be back and we’ll be going again together.”
Philadelphia also showed off some of the trick plays that will be in the playbook this season. On one such play, Kolb ran a toss play to the left for running back LeSean McCoy, who then tossed a lateral to wide receiver Jason Avant on an end around. Avant set in the backfield and showed a strong arm as he threw a pass that traveled more than 35 yards in the air to fellow receiver Riley Cooper.
The Eagles also showed off some double tight end formations with the third offense, as both Clay Harbor and Cornelius Ingram were on the field at the same time. At the moment, Harbor seems to have the edge on the second tight end spot behind Brent Celek, but neither faltered today. Ingram is coming off two consecutive ACL surgeries, but his size and particularly his long arms and solid hands make him an intriguing prospect. The Florida product is 6’4″ tall and weighs 250 pounds. Harbor is more compact and has impressed coaches during camp as well.
Injury Report
Running back J.J. Arrington has been added to the list of injured Eagles with a left foot strain. Linebacker Keenan Clayton missed practice after being excused for personal reasons. Clayton is not listed among the injured Eagles. Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (bone bruise in knee) was walking around on the practice field with a limp, but was not wearing the compression sleeve he had on last night at Flight Night. Defensive backs Asante Samuel and Macho Harris continue to nurse hamstring injuries, as do running back Mike Bell and tight end Martin Rucker. Defensive tackle Antonio Dixon is still out with his concussion. A.Q. Shipley is yet to return to practice with his ankle injury. Guard Todd Herremans (foot), center Jamaal Jackson (knee) and defensive end Victor Abiamiri (pectoral muscle) all remain on the physically unable to perform list.
Training Camp Coverage
Visit InsideTheIggles.com for training camp coverage, including practice recaps and scouting reports from Lehigh Valley. ITI’s Ryan Messick will be reporting from camp again tomorrow and Sunday, with live Twitter feeds available during the morning and afternoon practices. Check back often for updates and follow along at www.twitter.com/Ryan_Messick and www.twitter.com/InsideTheIggles.