Pederson: Smallwood Still In Concussion Protocol

Wendell Smallwood. (Jeff Fusco)

Wendell Smallwood has not yet cleared the concussion protocol, Doug Pederson announced Tuesday afternoon. Isaac Seumalo, who is battling a pectoral injury, will not play in the preseason finale on Thursday against the Jets, but he’s expected to be ready to play next week. Vinny Curry (knee), Leodis McKelvin (hamstring) and Taylor Hart (knee, ankle) should also be good to go for the regular season opener against the Browns.

With most of the Eagles’ first-team offense sitting out this week, Chase Daniel will start the game and most likely play for the entire first half, while McLeod Bethel-Thompson will play in the second half. Lane Johnson will play on Thursday, and if he isn’t suspended before the regular season, he is expected to start for the Eagles against the Browns.

Pederson added that “there is a chance” the Eagles sign Aaron Grymes to the practice squad, after they let him go because his shoulder injury will prevent him from being ready for the start of the regular season. Pederson also specified how he’ll closely keep an eye on the position battles at receiver and defensive back in the last preseason game.

After Myke Tavarres publicly considered sitting for the national anthem, Pederson addressed it with his team, as well.

“I don’t necessarily have a policy, per se. I mean, I addressed it with the team,” Pederson said. “Listen, I can appreciate everybody’s opinions and I respect everybody’s opinions, but at the same time, I feel that [the National Anthem] is important and it’s obviously out of respect for the men and women of our country that sacrifice in order for us to coach and play this great game. So, I get it. I understand it. But at the same time, I encourage everybody to stand.”