Eagles release LB Kendricks

Former 2nd round pick a cap casualty after 6 seasons

PHILADELPHIA » The Philadelphia Eagles have released starting linebacker Mychal Kendricks after six seasons with the team.

The cost- cutting move announced on Tuesday came after linebacker Paul Worrilowwent downwith a knee injury on the first day of organized team activities. Kendricks was due to earn $ 5.85 million in base salary this year with a $ 7.6 million cap hit. He started 13 games in the regular season and three more in the playoffs last season as the Eagles won the Super Bowl.

Kendricks, a secondround pick in 2012, averaged 56 tackles per season. He had three interceptions, six forced fumbles and 14 sacks.

Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz was back on the field throwing passes less than six months after knee surgery ended his season.

The Pro Bowl quarterback wore a brace on his surgically repaired left knee and tossed passes to assistant coaches and ballboys as the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles kicked off organized team activities on Tuesday. Wentz isn’t medically cleared to participate with the rest of the team.

“I’m just learning how to trust it, trust your knee, trust your movement, all of those things,” he said. “That comes over time.”

Nick Foles stepped in afterWentz went down, leading the Eagles to their first NFL title since 1960. Foles was the Super Bowl MVP in a 41- 33 victory over the Patriots and would be the starter if Wentz isn’t ready for the season opener on Sept. 6 against the Falcons.

“Anytime you’re rehabbing, you have to be careful,” Wentz said. “Trust what the trainers and doctors are saying and be smart with it.”

MICHAEL PEREZ - AP FILE The Philadelphia Eagles’ Mychal Kendricks, right, and Nigel Bradham celebrate after Kendricks’ interception during a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 17, 2017, in Philadelphia. Kendricks was released by the Eagles Tuesday.