Birds Healthier Ahead Of Cowboys Clash

PHILADELPHIA – In their final practice before leaving for Dallas ahead of Sunday’s 4:25 p.m. showdown against the Cowboys, all four Eagles who appeared on Thursday’s injury report were present and participating during team stretches for the duration that was open to reporters.

The group included offensive tackle Fred Johnson (knee), wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring), EDGE Nolan Smith (groin) and linebacker Ben VanSumeren (concussion).

With Johnson’s and Smith’s participations in some capacity over the past two days, they’re almost assured to suit up against Dallas.

As for VanSumeren, who exited last Sunday’s game against the Jaguars with the concussion, my understanding is that he is trending toward playing Sunday at AT&T Stadium. The second-year pro will need to be cleared by both team physicians and an independent neurologist.

As for quarterback Jalen Hurts, who was listed on Wednesday’s injury report – an estimation because the team held a walkthrough – as a withheld because of rest, he practiced in full Thursday and was spotted warming up behind speakers that were out of view. He participated in drop back drills during the early portion of practice.

On Wednesday, during the media-attended portion of practice, Hurts wasn’t throwing during individual drills.

But during Friday’s media availability, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni might have revealed more than just a rest issue for Hurt.

Sirianni said Hurts was “dealing with the ankle,” when asked why Hurts was listed as resting for the first time in his Eagles career.

“And, you know, making sure we’re cautious with everything,” Sirianni said, before quickly pivoting after being asked to clarify.

“It was rest, yeah,” Sirianni said. “Sorry. I thought you were talking about something else.”

On Wednesday, Hurts had said he was simply doing what he was told when asked why he was listed as resting.

A league source classified the designation as “lower leg soreness,” adding that Hurts threw the ball later during Wednesday’s walkthrough session.

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.