Eagles Notes: Eagles' Fletcher Cox returns to practice, should play Sunday
Fletcher Cox was a full participant in Thursday's practice after sitting out Wednesday with a tailbone injury. It was an injury that occurred two weeks ago and reemerged in last week's game.
Fletcher Cox was a full participant in Thursday's practice after sitting out Wednesday with a tailbone injury. It was an injury that occurred two weeks ago and reemerged in last week's game.
"It was a little sore [Wednesday], I tried to go out on it, a lot of pain," Cox said. "They strengthened it a little bit. The trainers did their job."
The rookie defensive tackle does not anticipate that the injury will hinder him for the rest of the season, and he expects to be fine for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Cox will need to meet the team in Tampa Bay, though, because he's going to a memorial service for his grandmother on Saturday. His grandmother died last week, also causing Cox to miss time. It was the fourth death of a family member or close friend that he has experienced this season.
"I've been faced with a lot of things," Cox said. "It's just a challenge. Not many guys kind of handle it really well, being professional about it. I'm real private."
'No longer' a rookie
Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg spoke with Nick Foles about the rapid development he's experiencing, but he also cautioned his new starting quarterback that rookie mistakes are no longer acceptable.
"All of this progressing and all of that is over now," Mornhinweg said. "We are no longer rookies - that's done. We expect to play at a high level consistently."
Mornhinweg noted adjustments that come from inexperience such as not seeing certain coverages or defenses, or techniques that must be refined.
One area of improvement that Foles has frequently cited is his footwork. Mornhinweg said Foles was not properly positioning his feet during college, which has been a point of emphasis with quarterbacks coach Doug Pederson.
"There were several plays where he needs to use his feet in just a different manner and that would make us better," Mornhinweg said. "It didn't hurt us particularly or hurt him or the play, but it will pay off down the line."
Extra points
Defensive tackle Mike Patterson was the only addition to the injury report. He missed practice with an illness. Safety Kurt Coleman (chest), running back LeSean McCoy (concussion), and quarterback Michael Vick (concussion) continued to sit. Running back Chris Polk and cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie were full participants after being limited Wednesday. . . . Offensive tackle Matt Kopa, who signed Monday, has been working mostly at right tackle. . . . Offensive lineman Todd Herremans said he would be open to moving back to guard next season.
Eagles Notes:
Cox back at practice, expected to play Sunday. C2.