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For starters, you didn’t see many on offense for the Eagles

As was the case for the preseason opener, Doug Pederson rested most offensive starters.

Eagles quarterback Cody Kessler leaves the game with the team medical staff after Kessler got hit by Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Josh Allen during the first-quarter in a preseason game Thursday, August 15, 2019 in Jacksonville.
Eagles quarterback Cody Kessler leaves the game with the team medical staff after Kessler got hit by Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Josh Allen during the first-quarter in a preseason game Thursday, August 15, 2019 in Jacksonville.Read moreYONG KIM / Staff Photographer
    by Les Bowen
    Published 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Once again, the Eagles started their first-team defense but used only a few offensive starters -- running backs Jordan Howard and Miles Sanders.

The Eagles’ defensive starters played all three first-quarter Jacksonville series, as did Howard and Sanders. The quarter ended 0-0.

Quarterback Carson Wentz watched the action wearing a baseball-style cap, his game jersey, and pants, but no shoulder pads. Ditto several other prominent Eagles, including running back Darren Sproles.

The visitors’ pass rush looked solid early against the Jaguars’ top offensive line and rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew. Nick Foles did not play.

How ya doin'?

It seemed as if nearly every Eagle made his way over to greet Nick Foles during warmups, but Foles was not the only popular Jaguar. Ex-teammates also sought out former Eagles linebacker Najee Goode.

Goode, a Colt last season after playing with the Eagles from 2013 to 2017, would come in handy right now, given the Eagles’ situation at linebacker.

Also, Thursday’s game featured that rare clash of two former Ohio State quarterbacks-turned-wide receivers: the Eagles’ Braxton Miller and the Jags’ Terrelle Pryor.

Eagles running back Donnel Pumphrey, who practiced at wide receiver this week, did not take the field as a wideout, but undrafted rookie guard Nate Herbig, who hadn’t snapped the ball before this training camp, made his debut at center in the second quarter. He snapped the ball well but was charged with a false start just before halftime.

    Les Bowen
    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."
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