Following their first Week 14 practice session on Wednesday, the Philadelphia Eagles moved their workout indoors for Thursday's version. Zach Cunnigham returned to work. We saw the rarest of occurrences, a three-time All-Pro linebacker wearing an Eagles jersey, one named Shaquille Leonard. He appears to be wearing the Number 50 jersey. There was, however, one noticeable absence worth reporting.
It was immediately noticed that, as the Birds began their early session of their workout, one that was open to the media, five-time Pro Bowl nod Darius Slay was absent. If you remember, he was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday due to a rest day. He's working his way back from a knee issue which obviously explains his Thursday absence to some degree.
The Philadelphia media reacts to Darius Slay's absence from Thursday's Eagles practice session.
Most would be content to guess that Darius Slay’s absence on Thursday lends itself to the theory that this is maintenance-related. As stated, the veteran missed Wednesday's walkthrough. This is probably precautionary and being done with the idea of allowing him to heal.
Much of the media seems to agree with that sentiment.
My sense here is that Slay’s absence is still maintenance related. #Eagles are also practicing on turf with two turf away games coming up. https://t.co/UvVNTW7hzV
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) December 7, 2023
No sign of Darius Slay during the early portion of #Eagles practice open to the media.
— EJ Smith (@EJSmith94) December 7, 2023
He was listed as a non participant yesterday with a knee/rest. Sense I get is it’s a maintenance day since they’re indoor on the turf and on turf again this Sunday.
No Darius Slay at practice today. He would have missed yesterday’s session as well, listed as knee/rest.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) December 7, 2023
Julio Jones (groin) is at practice but without a helmet. Looks like a non-participant today.
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) December 7, 2023
As Jeff McLane states, Philly moving the session indoors is intriguing as they are practicing on turf.
That's cool, however, seeing as how they have two road games coming up that will be played on turf.
This story continues to develop as the dau (and week) rolls on. Don't worry. We'll keep you updated should any developments occur. You may have heard. The Eagles have a big game in primetime on Sunday Night Football.
From what we hear, it's against a division rival. It also appears to be a relatively important one.