Ryan Mathews, Brandon Brooks Return To Practice

Ryan Mathews. (Jeff Fusco)

After missing the first seven training camp practices for veterans, Ryan Mathews (ankle) and Brandon Brooks (hamstring) both returned to practice on Friday. Mathews has been taken off of the Active/NFI list, although it’s unclear if he and Brooks are fully cleared for all activities.

The Eagles also announced Rodney McLeod has been excused from camp for Friday and at least part of Saturday, due to a death in the family. There was no sign of Jason Peters (quad) and Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring) at the start of practice, after they both suffered injuries during drills on Thursday. Wendell Smallwood (quad) also wasn’t on the field at the start of practice, which means Kenjon Barner will probably continue to get an increased workload.

With Brooks’ return to the lineup, Stefen Wisniewski may move from first-team right guard to second-team left guard. Matt Tobin could also fill in for Peters at left tackle, while Ed Reynolds may take Jenkins’ spot at safety for a second consecutive day. It’s unclear who will take McLeod’s spot while he’s out.