Full Squad Gathers For First Workout At Eagles Training Camp
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Mother Nature sent the Eagles indoors for their first full-squad workout of training camp, but the wet weather hardly dampened the enthusiasm of the team.
The players went through a spirited workout in the team's practice bubble Thursday afternoon. The Eagles had spent the first three days of workouts with rookies, quarterbacks and selected veterans. Running back Ryan Mathews was sidelined Thursday with an ankle issue and offensive lineman Brandon Brooks sat out with a hamstring injury. However, everyone else on the current 90-man roster was happy to have the full team together for the first time this summer. Quarterback Sam Bradford says there was a noticeable difference in tempo.
"It feels good," said Bradford. "Obviously, the speed picks up immediately. I think that's the first thing you notice. Obviously, it was nice to come in and get some work during the rookie camp and knock off the rust from the summer break, but with the vets out there, the speed of the game is back."
Another quarterback is adjusting to the faster tempo for what a full NFL practice has to offer. Rookie Carson Wentz enjoyed his first day with the full squad, and Wentz understands this is just the beginning of what will be a very busy time for both himself and his teammates.
"You're in it for the long haul now," Wentz said. "There's no break coming up. It's fun, though. There are long days and there are grinding days, but we're just getting started. We've got games to look forward to. It's a fun time."
While Wentz was answering questions about his performance on the field, two other Eagles were addressing their issues away from practice. Nigel Bradham was on the field Thursday despite being charged with assault of a hotel worker in South Florida, and Bradham understands he has work to do with his reputation in his first year in Philadelphia.
"Your first impression is everything especially to the fans," said Bradham. "It's just unfortunate for me I didn't get a chance to play first and at least let them see me play before they get an opinion about me."
Bradham will have to wait until his legal process plays out, but said he is confident his name will be cleared. Wide Receiver Nelson Agholor will not face charges stemming from an incident with a dancer at Cheerleader's Gentlemen's Club last month. Agholor was relieved to be cleared of the incident, but admitted he was forced to do some soul-searching before returning to football.
"It definitely puts me in a position where I truly have to re-center my focus and remind myself who I am," Agholor said. "Being associated with anything like that is not who I am as a man. Falling short and even being associated with that kind of thing lets you know you have to find yourself again and be yourself."
