Jackson a welcome sight at practice
PHILADELPHIA >> It was the first practice for DeSean Jackson since a lower core injury shelved him seven weeks ago. It was only part of a practice. But the way Eagles teammates were carrying on Wednesday, it made you wonder if the mercurial receiver would be healthy enough to oppose the Bears Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.
“He looked like his old self,” tight end Zach Ertz said. “Quick off the ball, fast when he gets going and sharp in and out of his breaks. Same old DeSean. Obviously, he’s a heck of a player. I feel like with him we just have another dimension.”
Eagles head coach Doug Pederson left the door open for a return by Jackson Wednesday morning. That was nothing new. Pederson has referred to Jackson’s return as “close” and “very close” in recent weeks. Jackson was injured in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons.
“DeSean has been looking really good and working hard through his rehab,” Pederson said Wednesday morning. “I expect to get him into practice a little bit today and see where he’s at physically. But I’m optimistic, obviously and we’ll take it day by day.”
Jackson informed the media relations staff he’ll speak Thursday, heightening the vibe he’ll play his first game since the season opener. His hand casted for a finger, Jackson said he might just be a decoy. Instead he the soon-to-be 33-year-old erupted for eight receptions worth 154 yards and two touchdowns sparking the Eagles to a 32-27 win over the Redskins.
Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, who has seen coverages compress without Jackson in the lineup, was guarded in his remarks about the deep threat.
“I’m excited just to get him out here working again and for him to see where he’s at with his injury,” Wentz said. “Everyone loves going to play with that guy and the big-play ability that he has and who he is and the coverage and attention that he brings as well. So, hopefully we can keep building into it.”
The bye week for the Eagles begins after they oppose the Bears (3-4).
Pederson conceded the bye could be a factor in determining whether Jackson plays this weekend.
The final decision is Jackson’s. And it’s difficult to believe the 175-pound Jackson would risk a return before the bye against a Bears team that’s lost three straight games and enters this contest a five-point underdog.
Also in the rehab boat are defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan (foot) and running back Darren Sproles (quad), who were limited in practice Wednesday.
“It factors in a little bit,” Pederson said. “But if these guys are healthy and can play and help us on game day without risking anything further, then we’ll see if we can get them in.”
• • • Linebacker Nigel Bradham (ankle), offensive tackle Jason Peters (knee) and running back Miles Sanders (shoulder) were held out of the session.
Cornerback Avonte Maddox (concussion, neck) and defensive end Josh Sweat (ankle) were full participants. Sanders expects to practice Thursday.
• • • Dallas Goedert, the South Dakota State product, lost a bet with North Dakota State alum Carson Wentz as the Bison defeated the Jackrabbits, 23-16.
Thus, the enormous check in the form of a $1,000 contribution to the South Dakota State football program, hanging over Wentz’s locker Wednesday. It was Zach Ertz’s idea. “They wanted a small check,” Ertz said. “I was like, ‘dude, you need a freaking Happy Gilmorebig check you can put on the back of a door.’ You’ve got to keep it light this time of year. It’s always good to find extra ways to have that team bonding.”
• • •
Could be a long game Sunday. Referee Craig Wrolstad officiates Eagles-Bears. His crew has called 135 penalties in 7 games this season, secondmost behind Walt Anderson.