Mathews’ latest strange turn sends him out of town
PHILADELPHIA » The strange Eagles career of running back Ryan Mathews ended Tuesday, and on a peculiar note.
Mathews passed a physical with the Eagles, according to head coach Doug Pederson, who then fought off questions about the veteran’s future.
Mathews didn’t practice with the Birds, after leading the team in rushing with 661 yards and eight touchdowns last season. His second year with the club ended prematurely with a nasty neck injury. He bumped into some of his old teammates who were told not to talk about him with reporters.
Meanwhile, the nameplate the Eagles fashioned over a locker bearing the name of Mathews and his old No. 24 was removed during the open locker room session for the media. The plate also included the name of Randall Goforth, the cornerback who was waived-injured two weeks ago.
Mathews’ old locker is occupied by a running back and his number is being worn by safety Terrence Brooks.
The Mathews-Goforth nameplate turned into a souvenir when the NFL Network reported Mathews was waived. The formal announcement of his release came at 12:15 p.m., via a statement reflecting the Eagles’ appreciation for his decision to report. Thus ended the strange standoff, as it’s been clear Mathews hasn’t been part of the team’s plans going forward.
The Eagles will roll at running back this season with LeGarrette Blount, Darren Sproles, Wendell Smallwood and either rookie fourth-round pick Donnel Pumphrey, Byron Marshall or undrafted rookie Corey Clement.
“We want to thank Ryan for his contributions to the Philadelphia Eagles over the past two seasons,” the team statement read. “We spoke today and had a productive conversation about his future and the direction of our team going forward. First and foremost, we are glad that Ryan is healthy and has been cleared to return to football activities. But given the current state of our running back position we feel like it is best for both sides to go in a different direction. We wish him all the best as he continues his career.”
Cutting Mathews saved the Eagles $4 million against the salary cap.
The Eagles used the roster spot to re-sign cornerback Mitchell Wright.
*** For the second preseason game, Pederson said he’s leaning toward the same type of playing schedule he had in the first game.
That would mean the first team offense and defense would play double-digit snaps before giving way to subs. The Eagles expect to start newly acquired Ronald Darby.
Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery might make his Philly debut as well.
“I am leaning towards him playing, yes,” Pederson said. “He feels comfortable, we’ve talked about it, so I’m comfortable with him going.”
The game kicks off at 7 p.m. Thursday at Lincoln Financial Field. cornerback
*** NOTES » With Jason Peters excused to take care of personal business, Lane Johnson replaced him at left tackle Tuesday, and Matt Tobin stepped in at right tackle. Though Pederson wasn’t certain about Peters’ status for the home preseason opener, he is unlikely to be back as he’s attending funeral services.
Normally the Eagles would go with Hal Vaitai (knee) at right tackle but he hasn’t practiced since injuring his knee in the preseason opener . ... Running back Wendell Smallwood (hamstring) and guard Brandon Brooks (hamstring) were back at practice. It’s possible but not likely they could pay Thursday. ... Don’t look for the Birds to rush veteran nickel back Ron Brooks (hamstring) into action. He was hurt in the first preseason game.