Cox back at practice for Birds
Johnson unlikely to play Thursday
Gauging the injuries, Fletcher Cox has a better chance to get on the field for the Eagles Thursday than Lane Johnson.
And Johnson is the less replaceable of the two based on results.
All-Pro defensive tackle Cox, sidelined the last two weeks, was a full participant at practice Tuesday, according to the Eagles. The session wasn’t exactly extensive, though, as the Eagles have been busy recharging their batteries to oppose the Panthers at Bank of America Stadium.
“I was out at practice today, moving around a little bit,” Cox said. “I’m just doing my best to try to get back. Everything is progressing. I just have to continue to treat the injury, continue to rehab and get myself 100 percent.”
Defensive linemen Beau Allen (foot), Chris Long (foot) and Destiny Vaeao (wrist) were limited in practice. All of them can play tackle.
Right offensive tackle Johnson is in the NFL’s concussion protocol. He must be cleared by an independent neurologist before practicing.
The Eagles were 2-8 last season without Johnson, who was suspended after testing positive for PEDs. They were 7-9 overall.
Hal Vaitai likely will start at right tackle if Johnson can’t make it.
“You try not to worry about it,” quarterback Carson Wentz said. “We know Lane is an unbelievable football player. We know he’s one of the top tackles in the league. I love that guy but if he’s not out there, if he’s not ready to go, I have all the confidence in the world in Big V. The O-line is a serious strength on this football team, especially the depth.”
Big V hasn’t started any games this season but he’s been an extra tight end in the Eagles’ heavy packages.
Also sitting out practice were cornerback Ronald Darby (ankle) and running back Wendell Smallwood (knee), who sat out the last game. *** Held out of practice by the Panthers Tuesday were defensive end Mario Addison (knee), cornerback James Bradberry (calf), safeties Kurt Coleman (knee) and Demetrious Cox (ankle), wide receiver Devin Funchess (knee), centers Ryan Kalil (neck) and Tyler Larsen (shoulder), and cornerback Daryl Worley (ankle).
Limited for the Panthers were offensive tackle Matt Kalil (ankle), Cam Newton (right shoulder), defensive end Julius Peppers (shoulder) and running back Jonathan Stewart (ankle).
NOTES » The Eagles hold a 6-3 lead in the all-time series with Carolina. The Panthers have won two of the last three games, including the last meeting, a 27-16 decision in 2015 … Julius Peppers will play in his 150th straight game with the Panthers, tops among active defensive ends. Peppers ranks second in the NFC with 5 ½ sacks. Peppers has 6 ½ sacks, 2 forced fumbles and a 49-yard pick-six in nine career Thursday games … Eagles veteran Malcolm Jenkins will make his 61st straight start, trailing only Glover Quin (121) of Detroit and Reggie Nelson (65) of Oakland among active players … Eagles veteran Donnie Jones will punt in his 198th game Thursday. Among active players, only Shane Lechler (242) of Houston has played in more consecutive games … The Charlotte weather forecast Thursday is scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon and a high of 91 degrees … The Eagles gave Alex McCalister the practice squad job that belonged to wide receiver Rashard Davis. McCalister was signed Tuesday … Eagles tight end Zach Ertz is tied for the NFC lead with 32 receptions and 387 receiving yards.