Alonso, Maxwell returning to Philly with Dolphins
Eagles training camp begins July 24.
Former Eagles Byron Maxwell and Kiko Alonso roll into town around Aug. 20 with the Miami Dolphins, who are scheduled to practice with the Birds before they oppose each other the following Thursday at Lincoln Financial Field.
A third former Eagle, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, won’t be around the NovaCare Complex any time soon.
While Eagles head coach Doug Pederson didn’t completely rule out Maclin, who was cut by the Kansas City Chiefs, he wants to see how the current wide receivers perform before adding anyone.
“At this time, no,” Pederson said. “I love the guys that we have. Listen, we’re always constantly looking and trying to better our
roster at every position but at this time I’m very pleased with what we’re working with. We have some young talent that’s playing extremely well. Going forward that’s what I’m trying to see, is where our young guys are and how well they can handle the work load of what we’re trying to do offensively and in our passing game.”
Among other key dates at Eagles training camp are two free practices open to the public at Lincoln Financial Field.
The practices with the Dolphins should be interesting in that Maxwell and Alonso flourished in Miami after being sent there along with the 13th overall pick in the draft, for the eighth overall selection.
The Eagles signed Maxwell to a six-year, $63 million deal. He didn’t live up to the pact. Alonso made no one forget he came to the Birds from Buffalo for running back LeSean McCoy. Maxwell and Alonso both played key roles with
the Dolphins last year. Alonso’s contract was extended.
The Dolphins are coached by Adam Gase, who reportedly was the early frontrunner for the head coaching job of the Eagles.
“Adam and I have had a good relationship over the last couple of years,” Pederson said. “We actually were kind of thinking the same thing. I think it’s good at that time of year. In training camp you’ve been beating on each other for a few weeks and then you get a chance to practice against somebody else in the controlled environment is good.”
The first full day of camp for the entire Eagles’ squad is July 27.
Practices open to the public at the Linc are Saturday, July 29, which is Military Appreciation Day presented by Dietz & Watson, and Sunday, Aug. 6, Youth Day. Both practices begin at 10 a.m. Tickets aren’t required and seating and parking are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Exact dates and times for all training camp practice sessions will be announced later.
The Eagles begin the preseason on the road against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, Aug. 10.
••• Pederson expects offensive tackle Jason Peters, punter Donnie Jones and defensive end Marcus Smith to report for the mandatory three-day minicamp that begins next Tuesday.
Pederson says all of the players are expected to report, a list that includes running back Ryan Mathews to report.
Mathews is coming off a serious neck injury.
••• NOTES » Backup quarterback Nick Foles passed up practice Thursday to be with his expectant wife … Allen Barbre got the bulk of the first-team work at left guard over Isaac Seuamlo Thursday … Secondround draft choice Sydney Jones will be at minicamp although he’s rehabbing an Achilles’ tendon tear. “It will be good to get him back in the building,” Pederson said. “See where he’s at from not only conditioning but rehab and everything that’s going on.” Pederson said Jones is out of his walking boot.