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Richard Rodgers tried to leave the field Monday, but he could not. Instead, he sat in pain after a practice representative and bowed his head in his hands. Shortly after a hug by Doug Pederson, the anguished entourage of the Eagles' third rope was poked inside.
Just like that, the chances of Josh Perkins to climb the Eagles' lineup. But he was not really in the mood to celebrate after practice.
"It's terrible," Perkins said Monday afternoon. "I've seen him work his butt in the last few weeks trying to come back here. … it just fears for him. I feel really bad for the guy. "
That is life in the NFL. The injury of a man is the occasion of another man.
For the second consecutive year, it seems that Perkins is getting an opportunity, unfortunately, at the expense of Rodgers. It was a surprise that Perkins eliminated the camp lineup last year, but it was more logical when Rodgers was placed in the IR before the first match. Perkins spent the first nine weeks of 2018 as the Eagles' third tight run before getting injured. It seems he is destined to play this role again this season.
I'm just trying to stay locked up every day, "Perkins said. "You never know what's going to happen. The trainer always says, "Stay ready so you do not have to get ready." So when you get thrown into the fire, you already know what to do.
Even before this injury to Rodgers, Perkins was looking to qualify. Perkins, 26, had a "stable" training camp, according to offensive coordinator Mike Groh. Pederson said it would be another good opportunity for Perkins.
For his part, Perkins thinks he's "light years" ahead of his level last year. Now he knows the game book and is able to correct the mistakes.
With a receiver background, Perkins is just a different player from Rodgers, who is better as a blocker on the line of scrimmage. Without Rodgers, Perkins admitted that the Eagles will probably need him to block more at NS and that it's a part of his game that he worked hard to improve.
"I'm never afraid to lower my head," said Perkins. "We can hit all day."
But as much as he's working on his blocking, Perkins's strength is what he can do in passing play. Heck, the Eagles used it as receiver at the start of last season.
Zach Ertz said that if the Eagles wanted a close game, they could use an additional offensive tackle, which they did well in the last three years under Pederson.
Ertz also explained what the difference between the tight ends of the third string for him and Dallas Goedert meant. Basically, in a three-player package, the tight third end dictates Ertz and Goedert's position in the formation: "Dallas and I will almost always be on the field when we go three tight ends. puts a tight end into the formation or a tight end into the formation. We feel good with one or the other.
"If they put a dime in, we can run the ball," said Perkins. "If they hire a linebacker, we can throw the ball in. I feel like I'm a big threat to the game.I feel like I can be a versatile player for the offensive."
In nine games last season, Perkins picked up five passes for 67 yards. With Ertz and Goedert in front of him, offensive opportunities for Perkins are likely to be limited, but he has learned to make the most of every opportunity, no matter what the occasion.
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