The effect of Nate Sudfeld’s broken wrist on the Eagles’ quarterbacking situation was the focus when Saturday’s training camp practice began, but that focus shifted with the news that starting right tackle Lane Johnson and tight end Dallas Goedert are being shut down for the preseason.
Johnson (knee) and Goedert (calf) have injuries that are not expected to sideline them when the regular season starts Sept. 8. The Eagles classified them as “week-to-week.” Since significant Eagles never play in the fourth and final preseason game, Aug. 29 against the Jets, their preseason participation would have to take place either this coming Thursday at Jacksonville or Aug. 22 against the Ravens, and the team plans to give them that time to heal.
Johnson has been wearing a knee brace in practice. He did not play in the preseason-opening loss to the Titans. Goedert played a dozen snaps, catching three passes for 50 yards. He probably had the most productive game of any Eagle.
Removing Johnson from any possible preseason snaps would seem to benefit his backup, former Australian rugby player Jordan Mailata. At tight end, Zach Ertz probably won’t play much in the preseason, but the Eagles also have Richard Rodgers, Will Tye, Josh Perkins and Alex Ellis.
Injured backup quarterback Nate Sudfeld, right, signs an autograph for Will Whitmore, 12, of Chester Springs, Pa., after Eagles training camp at the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019.Read moreTIM TAI / Staff Photographer
Wide receiver Nelson Agholor runs the ball during Eagles training camp at the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019.Read moreTIM TAI / Staff Photographer
Tight end Joshua Perkins practices catching balls after Eagles training camp at the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019.Read moreTIM TAI / Staff Photographer
Frankford and Boys' Latin football players jockey for autographs from tight end Zach Ertz, right, after Eagles training camp at the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019.Read moreTIM TAI / Staff Photographer
Tackles Jason Peters, left, and Andre Dillard run a drill during Eagles training camp at the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019.Read moreTIM TAI / Staff Photographer
Linebacker Nigel Bradham runs a drill during Eagles training camp at the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019.Read moreTIM TAI / Staff Photographer
Head coach Doug Pederson, left, watches his players with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz during Eagles training camp at the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019.Read moreTIM TAI / Staff Photographer
Injured backup quarterback Nate Sudfeld, right, stands next to running back Boston Scott during Eagles training camp at the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019.Read moreTIM TAI / Staff Photographer
Safety Rodney McLeod wears a reflective visor during Eagles training camp at the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019.Read moreTIM TAI / Staff Photographer
Quarterback Carson Wentz warms up during Eagles training camp at the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019.Read moreTIM TAI / Staff Photographer
Backup quarterback Cody Kessler looks at the flavor options as he orders water ice from Rita's workers John Malatino, rear right, and Charnette Walker, front right, after Eagles training camp at the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019.Read moreTIM TAI / Staff Photographer
Les Bowen has covered the Eagles since 2002. Before that, he covered the Flyers for 13 years. He came to the Daily News from the Charlotte Observer in May 1983, just as the Sixers were winning the NBA championship. He thought, "Gosh, this sort of thing must happen all the time here."
