Ajayi addresses whispers about bad chemistry in Miami
PHILADELPHIA » The Eagles had a kicker from Germany in Horst Muhlmann, two punters from Australia in Matt McBriar and Sav Rocca, and a kicker from South Africa in Gary Anderson.
Running back Steve Van Buren was born in Honduras.
Jay Ajayi, the running back acquired Tuesday, is their first player born in the United Kingdom — at least since the NFLAFL merger in 1970.
The British accent was on display during Ajayi’s introductory news conference with the Eagles Wednesday.
The Eagles sent a fourthround pick to the Dolphins for Ajayi, who after rushing for 1,272 yards and eight touchdowns last year, fell off the map.
“It is what it is,” Ajayi said. “It’s a business and at the end of the day I can just say I respect the Dolphins for giving me the opportunity to chase my dream of being in the NFL. And I can say that I respect all my teammates. I love those guys. I’ve bled, fought and won a lot of games with them and enjoyed my times as a Miami Dolphin.”
Ajayi practiced with the Eagles Wednesday, getting a crash course in the system from running backs coach Duce Staley. He got reacquainted with LeGarrette Blount, the Eagles’ leading rusher, who he called “LB” and who he played against regularly while Blount was on the Patriots.
While Ajayi (6-0, 221) tried to say all the right things, it was hard for him to dispute the reports that he sought a bigger role offensively.
“Those are the criticisms that are out there,” Ajayi said. “I can only speak on how I view myself, and I view myself as a team guy. And I’m excited to be here on the Eagles, excited for this opportunity. And that stuff at the end of the day is in the past. I woke up today as a Philadelphia Eagle and I’m very excited about that.”
Ajayi said he was surprised to be traded by the Dolphins, who are 4-3. He also said he hasn’t gotten the opportunity to catch the ball in the offense with them as much as he did at Boise State.
Ajayi said he’s spoken to Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz about getting ready to “keep this thing rolling.
“Just being able to be around him today and watching his game throughout the season you can tell he’s a special guy, a special talent,” Ajayi said. “I know myself personally I strive to be great every day. And I’m excited to come into this talented room and join these running backs in achieving our goal of winning the Super Bowl.”
Yeah, Super Bowl. Even the Eagles have been unable to keep their hunt quiet after the addition of Ajayi, the Brit who just might be in the right place at the right time.
“A the end of the day God had another plan for me and that was to be here, be on the Philadelphia Eagles,” Ajayi said. “We’re 7-1 and I’m excited about that for the opportunity to go get this thing. I’m just here to be a part of that however the coaches and staff want to use me.”
*** The Eagles signed practice squad quarterback Nate Sudfeld to the 53-man roster.
Since backup quarterback Nick Foles isn’t on the injury list, that likely means Sudfeld would have been signed by another team.
The Eagles made a pretty good investment in Sudfeld, signing him to a practice squad contract with a base salary of $540,000. That’s greater than the base pay of their rookie draft picks, including firstround pick Derek Barnett. The minimum practice squad salary is $122,400.
“It’s not necessarily the money as much as what the money says,” Sudfeld, a 2016 sixthround pick out of Indiana, said a couple of weeks ago. “And I feel very wanted here. I feel very valued. I get a lot of great work. I’m getting a lot stronger in the weight room. I’m learning from a lot of film. They ask me for my input in the film room. I feel a part of it. It’s been very fun and obviously it’s a great quarterback room to work in.”
To make room for Sudfeld the Eagles cut defensive tackle Justin Hamilton.
*** Eagles cornerback Ronald Darby (ankle) was limited at practice Wednesday.
Everyone else practiced fully including cornerback Patrick Robinson, who was knocked out of the previous game with a concussion.
*** Offensive tackle Donald Stephenson (calf) was the only player who didn’t practice Wednesday for the Broncos.
Limited were linebacker Todd Davis (ankle), guard Ron Leary (elbow) and wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (ankle).
Wide receiver Cody Latimer (knee), safety Will Parks (shoulder) and linebacker Shane Ray (wrist) were full participants.
*** NOTES » The line on the Eagles’ game didn’t change with the announcement that Brock Osweiler would start Sunday instead of turnover-plagued quarterback Trevor Siemian. The Eagles are eight-point favorites … Referee Gene Steratore and his crew officiate Eagles-Broncos … Wentz is tied with Deshaun Watson for the NFL lead with 19 TD passes. Wentz is first in the NFC with 2,063 passing yards … Broncos linebacker Von Miller is tied for ninth in the NFL with 7 sacks.