The Eagles are in the “middle of preparations” for Cleveland, according to offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg. With that being said, there’s not much news to report out of Eagles camp Thursday. Perhaps head coach Andy Reid will shed light Friday in the final media day before Sunday’s opener.
Anyway … here’s what we did find out Thursday:
» As expected, Damaris Johnson will return punts and Brandon Boykin will return kickoffs. Boykin said he hasn’t been instructed how far is too deep to take it out of the end zone.
» Chas Henry beat out veteran Mat McBriar at punter primarily because he’s better as a kick holder on field goals. “Field goal is the most important play in the game,” according to special teams coordinator Bobby April.
» Akeem Jordan will continue to be a lead contributor on special teams coverage units. Even though Jordan is the starter at weakside linebacker, April called him the “second-best” special teams player behind Colt Anderson.
» Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg has “great confidence” in Nick Foles coming in at quarterback if Mike Vick goes down — and in King Dunlap starting at left tackle.
» Mornhinweg was very vague about who the backup running back is. Dion Lewis is listed as the No. 2 behind LeSean McCoy on the unofficial depth chart. Rookie Bryce Brown hasn’t been told anything specific about his role Sunday.
» Defensive coordinator Juan Castillo said not to read too much into DeMeco Ryans’ play in the preseason. He’s looked great in practice, his preparation and leadership is invaluable and he expects big things from the middle linebacker, according to Castillo.
