After spending the better part of a month under the sweltering Lehigh Valley sun, the Eagles returned to the friendly and familiar confines of the NovaCare Complex. Head coach Andy Reid addressed the media Thursday and said that the intensity of Training Camp won't let up just because the team is back at home.
"It's good to be back at the NovaCare Complex," Reid said. "We all understand that we're still in Training Camp. We're still going to work hard, and at the same time, we've got the Monday night game against New England that we're going to prepare for."
The Eagles were fortunate to escape camp without any major injuries, and the team received more good news on that front. Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (neck) will practice Thursday, as will rookie guard Brandon Washington (concussion). Defensive end Jason Babin (calf), linebacker Casey Matthews (ankle) and wide receiver Riley Cooper (collarbone) will not practice.
Reid said he is practicing caution with Babin's injury.
"He's a seasoned veteran, but the one thing you don't want to do — and you see this a lot — is you see guys rush back from the calf injuries," Reid said. "And son of a gun, they strain it again. So you don't want to put him in a position where that happens."
Because the Eagles face the Cleveland Browns both in Week 3 of the preseason and the regular season opener just two weeks later, Reid is changing his preseason script. The team's starters are will play at least the first half, and may see action into the third quarter as well.
Reid also reaffirmed that rookie quarterback Nick Foles will be the second quarterback to play Monday night against the Patriots. Mike Kafka is still recovering from a hand injury, though Reid said there is a chance the third-year pro returns for the preseason finale against the Jets.
Foles had an impressive debut last Thursday, tossing two touchdown passes against the Steelers. The coaches are pleased with what they've seen from the third-round pick so far.
"We've got a load of plays in for him, and he's able to recite those properly," Reid said. "Now it's just making sure he has everybody down and that comes with reps. I can tell you, we knew he was smart coming in and he hasn't disappointed us in that area. He's a pretty sharp kid, very diligent, works hard; all those things."
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