Sore hamstring keeps Pumphrey on sideline
PHILADELPHIA » Eagles rookie running back Donnel Pumphrey is no stranger to sitting out practices. Or at least the thud part of practice once the season began at San Diego State.
The NCAA’s all-time leading rusher carried the ball so much it made no sense to risk further contact.
This is different, though, as Pumphrey sat out his third straight practice Friday with a sore hamstring.
“I would get in practice but physically they wouldn’t have me going full thud or anything,” Pumphrey said of his college routine. “But as far as getting the plays down now I’m just trying to get the reps mentally so I can continue to prepare myself.”
When the Eagles took the 5-8, 176-pound Pumphrey off the board in the fourth round of the recent draft, Eagles vice president of player personnel Joe Douglas intimated that big presents can be wrapped in small packages.
“Don’t let the size fool you,” Douglas said. “This guy, he’s a little dog that thinks he’s a big dog and he plays that way.”
Pumphrey was supposed to take a step in that direction Friday but the plan fell through. Now he’s on target to participate in the open practice Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.
“They’re actually talking about me coming back right after our day off,” Pumphrey said, the off day being Saturday. “Today I was supposed to do a little individual but we didn’t have any so they just wanted me to rest the hammy and get back out there come Sunday.”
At that point Pumphrey will see what the coaches have in mind from him this season. And whatever the weather, the fun will start.
“Standing around watching, that’s pretty much the worst part about it,” Pumphrey said of the injury. “When my teammates are tired, just not being able to get in there and get an extra rep for them. So I’m taking the mental reps. And we also have an assistant coach who’s calling out the plays as well.”
*** LeGarrette Blount returned to the Eagles after missing three practices to take care of “family related” personal stuff.
Blount was asked essentially questions he answered after his this past Sunday at the Linc.
To wit, he’s not completely sure how the Eagles will use him, just that the team has assured him “They’re not just putting me in a box on my own with what I can do. The opportunities are out there.”
Blount led the NFL with 18 rushing touchdowns last season with the defending Super Bowl champion Patriots.
Blount was a short-yardage, goal line and two-down back with the Pats.
*** coach Doug Eagles head the same last practice, Pederson said wide receiver Alshon Jeffery is healthy after injuring his shoulder.
Jeffery sat out his fourth straight practice Friday. It’s entirely possible he doesn’t play in the first preseason game, per Pederson.
“It’s just a matter of keeping him rested,” Pederson said. “And again, it’s - we’re not playing a game. So I’ve seen a lot from him, probably more so than what you guys have seen and I’m comfortable with where he’s at with our offense. I’m going to make sure he’s healthy going into the season.”
*** Eagles backup quarterback Nick Foles is going to give his inflamed elbow another week of rest.
Structurally the elbow is had an MRI and other tests.
Linebacker Mychal Kendricks is day-to-day per Pederson.
*** The Eagles’ final open practice is Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. It begins at 10 a.m. Admission and parking gates open at 8:30 a.m.
Though a sizable crowd of the first open practice, still good seats available in the of the Linc. sound, are as (quadriceps) free and he’s the
23,000 attended there were lower bowl