The Philadelphia Eagles have conducted Phase 1 of the team’s offseason workouts, and things are set to ramp up even more with the official start of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) beginning on Tuesday. There, you’ll finally see the rookies blend in with the veterans for the first time, setting the stage for the Eagles to start their march towards another Lombardi Trophy.
These workouts (OTAs: May 21-23, May 28, May 30-31, June 3-6)will still be voluntary, up until the teams first Mandatory Minicamp, which will take place on June 11-13.
With the Eagles loaded and heavy favorites in the NFC, here are a four thing to watch for the start of OTAs.
1. Will Malcolm Jenkins be in attendance?
The Eagles star safety has skipped the start of the offseason workout program, choosing to train on his own instead. The rumor mill has been churning about Jenkins possibly wanting a new deal, but it’s too early for any concerns, especially during this voluntary phase. Jenkins played every down last season, and could simply be searching for more rest.
2. The health status of quarterback Carson Wentz
Head coach Doug Pederson has grown agitated with questions about the status of his star player, and it’s still unclear if Wentz is fully recovered from the back injury he suffered last season. With the Eagles’ deciding to sign quarterback Cody Kessler in free agency, they don’t have to rush Carson. This OTA period could be used to get reps for Sudfeld, Kessler and rookie Clayton Thorson.
3. Health status of key Eagles veterans
Even without talking about Carson Wentz, the Eagles were decimated by injuries last season, and still, have a handful of guys recovering from offseason procedures. Defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (foot), cornerback Jalen Mills (foot), cornerback Ronald Darby (knee), running back Corey Clement (knee), guard Brandon Brooks (Achilles), running back Josh Adams (shoulder), wide receiver Mack Hollins (groin), defensive end Derek Barnett (shoulder), linebacker Paul Worrilow (knee) and safety Rodney McLeod (knee) are all rehabbing from various ailments and will likely be out until training camp.
4. How will the rookies and newcomers mesh on offense?
Howie Roseman added some valuable pieces to the Eagles offense, along with a few home run hitters that should open things up even more for Carson Wentz. Jordan Howard is a really good running back, who’ll eliminate the need to throw the ball 3 straight times while on the goal line. Miles Sanders is a home run hitter, but will his emerging star dim Howards light? Can DeSean Jackson continue to perform at such a high level when targeting 20-yards or more? Even as he heads over the hill age wise, Jackson was still among the NFL’s best in yards per catch. Can JJ Arcega-Whiteside become a red zone monster similar to Rob Gronkowski? There are questions to be answered and they’ll start this weekend.
