Don't expect to learn a lot about Nick Foles or the Eagles wide receivers tonight when they face off with the Patriots in Game 2 of the exhibition season.
That's because Foles will be throwing to a lot of unfamiliar faces. Hopefully, they'll be wearing green uniforms.
Both Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper will be sitting out this week. Maclin, who is trying to get back into form after missing all of last season with a knee injury, will be on the sidelines courtesy of a tweaked hamstring. Everybody keeps saying it's no big thing, but it's enough to keep him out of action tonight.
Cooper is nursing a sore foot that forced him to miss last week's adventures vs. the Bears in the exhibition opener.
At least Cooper was blunt in addressing the Birds' wide receiver situation.
"It looks bad when your two starters aren't out there practicing," he said while missing another practice yesterday in New England. "It definitely looks bad."
He'll get no argument from me.
One of the biggest question marks heading into this highly anticipated season was wide receiver, especially after Chip Kelly decided to jettison the enigmatic DeSean Jackson in the off-season.
How would the Birds replace Jackson's big-play capability.
Could they count on Maclin to pick up the slack?
We still don't know, and we likely won't until this team lines up for the regular season opener on Sept. 7.
Cooper says he hopes to get back on the practic field Sunday. The Eagles are looking at a short week before they crucial Game 3 - when the starters see their most extended time. It's not a sure bet that either of these guys will be in uniform next Thursday.
Regulars don't usually play in the exhibition finale. That means Foles will have very limited time throwing to his starters.
The QB who dazzled last season didn't look especially comfortable in the pocket last week. Tonight could be another adventure.
It's mid-August. Way too early to start worrying. Right?
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