Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
DL Beau Allen activated from injured list
PHILADELPHIA » Beau Allen is back.
The Eagles activated the veteran defensive tackle from the Non-football Injury (NFI) list Sunday. Allen was passed a physical last Friday and practiced with the team Sunday. He was sidelined for five months due to a pectorial injury.
If all goes well this week, Allen should suit up in the Eagles’ preseason finale at the Meadowlands against the Jets. Going forward, though, Allen’s role on the team is up in the air. He’ll join a group of defensive tackles consisting of Pro Bowler Fletcher Cox, Tim Jernigan and Destiny Vaio, who has impressed in Allen’s abscence.
“I feel great, obviously, now with the addition of Beau,” Eagles coach Doug Pederson said. “I’m excited to watch him practice in the next few days. Again, (we are) taking it slow with him. He hasn’t done anything, physically, for a while. I want to take it slow with him. But hope to get him some time Thursday night.”
Allen is just happy to get back on the field and contribute.
“I’m excited,” he said. “It’s always tough when you’re injured and kind of on the outside looking in, but it’s been good. We have a great defensive line, and a lot of good rookies and young talent. I’m really excited to be back with the boys and be a part of that group.
Allen, 25, anticipates a full return in the coming days and expects to be active when the Eagles kick off the 2017 at Washington Sept. 10.
“I’ve been working with our D-line staff a lot, doing a lot of work and a lot of cardio, so I think I’ll be ready.”
The 2014 seventh-round draft pick emerged as a solid rotation piece and disruptor the last two seasons. He posted 27 tackles parttime duty last year.
*** Backup quarterback Nick Foles was one of 11 players held out of practice Sunday. Foles hasn’t seen the field during preseason due to elbow soreness.
“Still day-to-day with him. It’s getting better, obviously,” Pederson said. “He’ll be getting throwing again this week. Again, don’t want to rush him back.”
Pederson thinks, with more rest, Foles will be ready in time for Washington.
“You manage it by limiting some throws. At the same time, we get to the regular season, you got to play with a little soreness and a little pain. Everybody’s going to be in that situation all season long. (The) quarterback is no different,” he said. “We just got to continue to stay on top of his treatment, and make sure he’s getting the right treatment, obviously, on that elbow. And (then) do what we can, even in practice, to make sure he’s getting the right amount of reps where we’re not taxing him, especially early in the season where we’re starting to build him back up to regular season full.”
If Foles doesn’t return soon, Pederson is confident in the abilities of emergency quarterback Matt McGloin, who was 22-for-26 with 155 yards and a touchdown in last Thursday’s preseason win over Miami. He also averaged just six yards per completion and threw an interception. McGloin, 27, has played in 13 regular-season games, all with Oakland, in his five-year career.
“I’ll tell you, he’s a kid that came in here and, obviously, we brought him in as a third (quarterback) and then with Nick resting and not playing, it’s given him a great opportunity to play,” Pederson said. “He’s done a great job for us. He was, what, 22 of 26 the other night? (He) had a tremendous game. Led a good touchdown drive against their [Miami’s] starters in that game, in the second quarter. He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do. We’ve been very pleased with him. He’s a smart kid. He’s tough. Mentally and physically, he’s tough. He’s been a pleasure to have in camp.”