Eagles Try To Downplay DeSean Jackson Return
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Eagles knew this was coming all week.
From the moment the game in Indianapolis ended on Monday, the attention quickly turned to Sunday's game with Washington. It's the first division game of the year and the Eagles have a chance to go 3-0 for the first time since 2004.
But all the talk is still about DeSean Jackson.
Emotions will likely be running high on Sunday, and players such as Linebacker DeMeco Ryans are ready for the hype that surrounds the return of the wide receiver.
"I know it's pretty important anytime you leave a place," said Ryans. "He was drafted here, he's been here for a while, so I know it's a big game for him, but we're not going to make it about him."
There continues to be speculation as to why Jackson was released during the off-season. Chip Kelly said the team was simply going in a different direction, although some believe their were off-the field issues. The team insists it was about football and Kelly addressed the issue on whether Jackson's size was the reason for his release.
"You can't get everybody to be 6‑5," Kelly said. "Everybody ideally would like a (Detroit Wide Receiver) Calvin Johnson Megatron‑type guy, but you can't get all of those guys. You have to make a decision on the direction you're going and that's the decision we made."
Nick Foles has had trouble getting in sync with his receivers during the first two games of the season. Some are wondering if the absence of Jackson and his ability to stretch the field are the reason for the early struggles. However, Foles insists there are no issues with his receivers since Jackson was released.
"I've thrown the football forever," said Foles. "You definitely get used to it and get on the same page with them. We had the whole off-season and we had the camp to get used to it. I feel very comfortable throwing to those guys. DeSean's a great receiver, but I have great receivers here that make plays for me and do a great job.
With the extra emotion involved in Sunday's game, the war of words could heat up between Jackson and his former teammates. However, Ryans is less worried about trash talking and more concerned about getting a victory.
"I feel like all our guys are above that," Ryans said. "I don't feel like it'll come down to too much yapping and talking on the field. I think you get the talking done by just playing sound football."
Linebacker Mychal Kendricks missed practice again on Thursday with a calf injury. Kelly said Kendricks remains day-to-day.
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