Camp Notes: Foles Thinks He’ll Run Some Read-Option

Chip Kelly told reporters Friday that if he calls 20 read-option plays with Nick Foles at quarterback, he should be fired.

That doesn’t mean he won’t run it all with No. 9 under center.

“Even if I am [the quarterback] I feel like we’ll still run it,” said Foles following Saturday’s practice. “I’m capable of getting five to ten yards and extending the play, maybe more if the Red Sea parts. I feel comfortable going. That’s part of the offense, that’s part of what we’re going to do, so I feel comfortable doing it and I’m willing to do it. I’m excited to go out there and do it and show my athletic ability.”

Bill Lazor lauded that athletic ability earlier this week.

“It’s never talked about how athletic he is because everyone talks about how fast and athletic Mike [Vick] is, but if you watch Nick…he can move and throw the ball very accurately. He’s really an athletic guy.”

The team has been working on the read option a good bit so far at training camp, even when Foles is getting the snaps. Athletic or no, Foles isn’t very speedy. If the read option is used with him in the game, it will likely be sparingly.

Vick Endorses Shepard

Vick was asked after practice if any of the young receivers are standing out to him.

“I told one guy today, Russell [Shepard] , I told him today that he’s got to step up,” said Vick. “It’s time to see what he can do. He specifically is the one that stands out for me. I like all the young guys but I challenged him today.”

Shepard and Vick provided one of the highlights of Saturday’s practice. Vick launched a bomb down the left sideline to the undrafted rookie out of LSU, who secured the ball by pressing it against his helmet on the way to the ground.

Speaking of going to the ground: Vick said he will slide this year. Maybe.

“I’m going to try and slide. I know I’ve said that before,” said Vick. “But don’t be surprised if you see me doing my natural fall-flop-get down. Most important thing is protecting the ball. But someday I’ll get it, man. I’m hoping and praying I can run with a different type of lean. I think when I run I lean forward so it makes it hard to slide.”

The other highlight of the day came from Jason Avant, who drew oohs and ahhs from the crowd with a one-handed grab on a pass from Matt Barkley.

Eagles Sign WR Ball

The team announced after practice that they have signed 29-year-old receiver Dave Ball, who played for Kelly at the University of New Hampshire. Ball has bounced around since leaving UNH, most recently playing in Southern Indoor Football League. He was signed prior to Jeremy Maclin getting hurt.

Tomorrow’s practice

Sunday’s practice at the Linc will take place rain or shine, according to the Eagles. Sixty-five thousand seats have been reserved for the 12:30 practice.