The Philadelphia Eagles are hoping Jason Kelce will continue his ironman ways to start the 2022 season.
When asked Wednesday about Kelce's availability for Week 1, Eagles coach Nick Sirianni referred to the veteran center's current streak of 122 consecutive regular-season games as something that keeps him hopeful.
"I don't ever put a timetable on anybody, as you guys know, we're hopeful for him," Sirianni said. "And like I said, 122 games in a row has he played? If he's close, the track record says that he's going to be ready to go but I'll never put a timetable on anybody."
Kelce underwent an elbow procedure this week in what the team described as a "routine cleanout." The four-time All-Pro has long been the centerpiece of the Eagles' offensive line and is regarded as one of the top players at his position at 34 years old. Rookie Cam Jurgens has since gotten reps with the first-team offense in Kelce's place, and Sirianni is liking what he's seen from the second-round pick so far.
"I've seen him be like a sponge around Jason," Sirianni said. "Hey listen, there's only one Jason Kelce but there's times out that he's doing something and you're like, whoa, that kind of looked like Jason. Cam has done a nice job of picking everything up. Again, he's in Jason's here and trying to get as much information as he can."
Sirianni said Wednesday that he plans to play his starters for 1-2 series in the Eagles' preseason opener versus the Jets on Friday night. As for DeVonta Smith, who has been out with a groin injury, Sirianni said the second-year wideout will remain out of practice and is still considered day to day.
INJURIES
- WR C.J. Saunders (quad) is expected to miss 3-4 weeks, coach Matt Rhule told reporters Wednesday.
- TE Ian Thomas (ribs) is expected to miss a week or two depending on the pain, per Rhule.
- QB Joe Burrow remains day to day at Bengals camp and will not play Friday against the Cardinals, coach Zac Taylor said. Burrow has not practiced since undergoing an appendectomy on July 26.
- RT La'el Collins has passed his physical and is now cleared to practice, the team announced. Collins has been on the non-football injury list since July 23.
- WR Jakeem Grant will miss the 2022 season after it was confirmed Wednesday that his Achilles was torn, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. Grant, who was placed on injured reserve by the team, suffered the injury during Tuesday's practice.
- LB Silas Kelly placed on injured reserve.
- RB Melvin Gordon is not practicing due to a foot injury, coach Nathaniel Hackett said.
- LB Christopher Allen placed on injured reserve.
- WR Randall Cobb is not practicing due to a foot injury, per NFL Network's Bridget Condon.
- RB Darius Anderson placed on injured reserve.
- OT Andrew Trainer placed on injured reserve.
- CB Charvarius Ward will miss the next two weeks with a muscle strain, but should be ready for the season opener, coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters.
- WR Russell Gage left practice with a leg injury Wednesday, but Rapoport reported the injury is considered minor.
- C Robert Hainsey left practice with cramps, Rapoport reported. Hainsey currently is the Buccaneers' starting center following a serious training camp knee injury to Ryan Jensen.
- DB Michael Griffin placed on injured reserve.
- OG Trai Turner (quad) is progressing and the hope is for a return in 10 days or so, coach Ron Rivera told reporters Wednesday. Rivera added that he'd like Turner to get at least one series in during the preseason.
ROSTER MOVES
- LB Roquan Smith removed from PUP list.
- Signed RB JaQuan Hardy.
- Signed RB Stevie Scott.
- Signed S Micah Abernathy.
- Released WR Osirus Mitchell.
- Signed RB Dexter Williams.
- Released LS Steven Wirtel.
- Signed DL Auzoyah Alufohai
- Waived/injured DL Jeremiah Ledbetter
- Signed WR Chris Lacy
- Released WR Jordan Veasy
- Released RB Malcolm Brown.
- Waived injured DB Bryce Thompson.
- Signing RB DeAndre Torrey, Rapoport reported, per a source.
- Claimed DE Hamilcar Rashed off waivers.
- Waived injured LB Ulysses Gilbert.
- Signed CB Ken Crawley to one-year deal.
- Waived/injured S Leon O'Neal.
- Signed CB Jameson Houston.
- Waived G Keenan Forbes.
PRESEASON PARTICIPATION
- QB Deshaun Watson is expected to start in Cleveland's preseason opener against the Jaguars, the team announced.
- Coach Doug Pederson told reporters Wednesday that he plans to play his starters on Friday versus the Browns, including quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne.
- Coach Robert Saleh told reporters that the starters, including QB Zach Wilson and DL Carl Lawson, will play one to two series against the Eagles on Friday.
TRYOUTS
- DB Deandre Baker tried out with the team on Wednesday, per the league transaction wire.
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