Right Direction

PHILADELPHIA – The Eagles on Thursday held their second practice of the week in preparation for Sunday’s rematch with the Dallas Cowboys. The session, typically the team’s most intense of the week, saw the return of a key component to the offense.

Returning to practice Thursday was center Cam Jurgens (concussion), who missed Wednesday’s practice. Jurgens, still sporting a hefty brace over his right knee, appears to be trending in a positive direction in terms of his availability for Sunday.

ITB Photo: Philadelphia Eagles returned to the practice fields on Thursday.

The official injury report, which on Wednesday included a limited OLB Jaelan Phillips (shoulder), will be revealed later today.

After spotting Jurgens in the stretch line, and subsequently observing individuals, the attention then pivoted to newly minted right tackle Fred Johnson. Johnson, filling in for the injured Lane Johnson (Lisfranc) spoke Wednesday about his approach to his elevated role.

“Just do what I’ve been doing since I got in the league,” he said. “Gotta keep beating the odds and trying to execute and show this team that, ‘You brought me back for a reason. Here’s the reason.'”

Regarding his fallen teammate, Johnson offered high praise, while also suggesting an urgency to establish himself.

“Lane Johnson is cemented in stone as one of the greats,” he said. “Fred Johnson is still trying to make a name for himself.”

Fred Johnson worked alongside right guard Tyler Steen during individuals, showcasing urgency and power when striking a bag held by teammates. When the Eagles repped its heavy package, Johnson was flanked by Steen and veteran Matt Pryor.

Elsewhere, on another field, the Eagles’ punt return group shared a field with a select handful of defensive backs on the opposite end. This is a typical Thursday occurrence, with returners Xavier Gipson, Jahan Dotson, Britain Covey, Quez Watkins and Cooper DeJean taking turns fielding punts. On the other side of the field, defensive backs coach/pass game coordinator Christian Parker worked with cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell, Adoree’ Jackson and rookie Brandon Johnson.

The media-attended portion of practice ends with a strip circuit, featuring an assembly line of players taking turns teeing off on a bag with a football strapped alongside it. In short, players are to strike (and dislodge) the football and proceed over to a neighboring padded platform, where they take turns holding and stripping away the football with a teammate before getting back in line.

The Eagles return to the practice field Friday afternoon, with practice slated for 12:35.

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