Peters back at left tackle for Birds
PHILADELPHIA » Jason Peters is back at left tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Peters, a nine-time Pro Bowl pick and two-time All-Pro, was playing right guard during training camp and reportedly wanted more money to return to left tackle.
But Eagles coach Doug Pederson said Peters walked into his office Monday morning and told him he’d be willing to move back. Pederson declined to discuss Peters’ contract but made it seem that Peters made the decision without getting an increase on his one-year, $3.1 million deal.
“This is the unselfishness, this is who he is,” Pederson said. “He sacrifices not only his body but for the football team . ... I was thrilled to death when he shared the news. I couldn’t have been happier. It shows a sign of great leadership by him. I had not expected this. It’s one of those pleasant surprises that we all hoped would come true.”
The Eagles announced in the spring they weren’t bring Peters back after 11 seasons in Philadelphia. But the team re-signed Peters after three-time Pro Bowl right guard Brandon Brooks tore his Achilles tendon in June.
Second-year pro Andre Dillard, a first-round pick in 2019, was slated to replace Peters at left tackle but he suffered a season-ending biceps injury two weeks ago.
“This move really solidifies the left side for us and puts us in a better position moving forward,” Pederson said.
Matt Pryor, a sixth-round pick in 2018, was practicing at left tackle after Dillard went down. Pederson said Pryor, Nate Herbig and rookie fourth-round pick Jack Driscoll are in the mix to start at right guard when the Eagles open the season at Washington on Sunday.
Quarterback Carson Wentz is pleased to see Peters back at his old spot.
“I’m excited about it for him and for this team,” Wentz said. “I’ve had JP blocking my blindside pretty much every year. He’s been the guy out there, done a great job. We call him ‘The Bodyguard’ for a reason, always takes care of me. I’m pretty excited he’s back there, the O-line is excited and it puts us in a good position going forward for sure.”
Josh McCown is back with the Eagles, virtually.
The Eagles signed the 41-year-old quarterback to the practice squad but you may not see him at all unless something happens to Carson Wentz, Nate Sudfeld and Jalen Hurts.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter said McCown will live in Texas, pull in the practice squad pay of $12,000 a week ($204,000 a season) and serve as the Birds’ emergency quarterback.
All McCown has to do is stay in shape, avoid getting infected with the coronavirus and plug in his laptop because many of the Eagles’ quarterback and team meetings have gone virtual.
Six of the 16 members of practice squads this year can have unlimited experience under the relaxed rules in this, the season of the coronavirus pandemic.
Also inked to the practice squad were 15 players the Eagles recently cut. The list is composed of defensive backs Grayland Arnold, Elijah Riley and Trevor Williams, wide receivers Deontay Burnett and Travis Fulgham, running backs Elijah Holyfield, Michael Warren and Adrian Killins, center Luke Juriga, guard Sua Opeta, offensive tackle Prince Tega Wanogho and tight end Caleb Wilson. Defensive end Matt Leo is the
Birds’ international practice squad exemption.
The Eagles also added Jason Huntley, a running back cut from the mold of Darren Sproles via the waiver wire Sunday.
Huntley (5-9, 193) was a fifth-round pick cut by the Detroit Lions.
The waiver claim came at the cost of Cre’Von LeBlanc, the Eagles’ most versatile, reliable and physical defensive back, as he was released to make roster room. LeBlanc was signed back to the team Monday.