Virtually an Eagle, McCown ready to feel part of things

Even if emergency quarterback Josh McCown doesn’t play a down this season, the Eagles are going to get some forward-thinking nominations from their colleagues around the NFL.

Signed to the practice squad, the veteran of 16 seasons is playing a virtual role right now, whether it’s studying practice film, joining Zoom quarterback meetings or texting Carson Wentz, all from his place in Texas.

The 41-year-old McCown also is being tested daily for COVID-19 because that’s the agreement the NFL has with the NFL Players Association.

Should the virus infiltrate the Eagles’ quarterback room, McCown will jet to Philly and do as much as an old guy can do. Last year he came out of the bullpen to lead the Eagles to a 17-9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the wild card round of the playoffs.

“This is obviously new to me, so I’ll be learning,” McCown said on a Zoom call. “But I’ll wake up every day asking myself how can I bring value to the team from a distance and it will start with virtually watching the practice and being involved in the meetings then we’ll go from there.”

McCown has a special, big brother-type relationship with

Wentz. The starting QB’s evolution as a leader is due partly to the confidence that comes from the bond he formed with veteran McCown.

“Whether I was doing this or not, I would have followed the team along closely and rooted for these guys and been as supportive as possible,” McCown said. “It’s more official now. I have access to meetings and can do that more effectively. I’ll feel as much a part of it as I can, given the circumstance.”