Jenkins happy with work of players coalition
PHILADELPHIA >> Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins is enthusiastic about the community-based programs backed by the players coalition, which he feels have been difference-makers throughout the country.
While Jenkins is encouraged by the job NFL players have done with the financial commitment of the league’s owners, he thinks it’s important to remember how the initiative began. To that end he praised Colin Kaepernick, who kickstarted it all by kneeling for the national anthem.
“In the midst of all that happening, you still have the blackballing of Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid not having a job for as long as he did,” Jenkins said. “Those are two separate issues. So, while our main focus is always on the community and those systemic oppressions and how we can leverage our relationships, our access and resources to help people in everyday communities, it is still our responsibility to speak out on behalf of Colin Kaepernick.”
Reid kneeled along with Kaepernick on the sideline of the San Francisco 49ers in 2016. Last week Reid, with the Carolina Panthers, accused Jenkins of being a “sellout” because Kaepernick wasn’t part of the players coalition. But that’s a story for another day.
Kaepernick won the right for a full hearing in an arbitration case alleging collusion among the NFL’s owners to keep him from working. He began the kneel-downs in 2016. Once one of the game’s better quarterbacks, he didn’t play last year and still is seeking a job.
“I can turn on the tape this week of our opponent,” Jenkins said Wednesday, “and see that Colin Kaepernick deserves a job.”
The Eagles oppose the Jaguars and quarterback Blake Bortles Sunday in London. Bortles has been so ineffective and turnoverprone that Cody Kessler replaced him during a 20-7 loss last week to Houston.
During their three-game losing streak, the Jaguars (3-4) have been outscored, 57-0, in the first half.
Jenkins steered clear of debating Reid. Eagles teammate Michael Bennett says Jenkins and Reid want the same thing. Bennett likened it to taking a trip, explaining that it really doesn’t matter if your ride is a Ferrari or a Chevy Suburban.
“It’s two different people going after the same thing,” Bennett said. “Fighting each other is not the answer.”
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The Eagles who didn’t practice Wednesday were cornerbacks Rasul Douglas (personal) and Sidney Jones (ham), linebacker Nathan Gerry (ankle, knee), safety Corey Graham (ham) and running backs Wendell Smallwood (personal) and Darren Sproles (ham).
Limited at practice were linebacker D.J. Alexander (quad), offensive tackles Lane Johnson (ankle) and Jason Peters (biceps), defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (calf) and quarterback Carson Wentz (back).
••• Rookie defensive end Josh Sweat says he’s been ready to take more snaps for the Eagles’ defense.
The season-ending shoulder injury to Derek Barnett, who tore a rotator cuff, provides the fourth-round pick out of Florida State the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s not just the snaps. Blending into a group of certified pass rushers in Brandon Graham, Michael Bennett and Chris Long can do nothing but accelerate the growth of the 6-6, 250-pound Sweat.
“I’m pretty confident,” Sweat said. “I’m ready to go. I thought I’d be playing a lot sooner.”
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NOTES >> The Eagles (34) are three-point favorites over the Jaguars, who have lost four of five games since defeating the Patriots to start the season 2-0 … The Eagles and head coach Doug Pederson are 2-0 when referee John Hussey officiates his games, both victories coming at the Linc … The Jaguars are playing in London for the sixth straight season. Bortles has prevailed in three of four starts there, throwing eight TD passes and one interception for a 101.2 rating in his last three. Bortles threw four TDs and no picks in a win over the Ravens in London last year.