Kafka closer to playing; closing to getting cut?
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Kafka closer to playing; closing to getting cut?
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
Mike Kafka has been cleared to take snaps and could be a step closer to returning. No decision has been made on his availability for Thursday night's preseason finale against the New York Jets, Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinwehg said Monday.
Kafka fractured a bone his left, non-throwing, hand on Aug. 9 against the Steelers. He has not played since. In his absence, Nick Foles and Trent Edwards have played well, especially the former. Kafka, in the opinion of some, could be the odd man out when the Eagles trim their roster to 53 on Friday.
Andy Reid said recently that he will likely keep three quarterbacks.
"I think you can go two ways," Kafka said when he asked about having to watch from the sidelines. "The way I approach it was learning as much as I could. You can definitely get better by watching. I worked on that."
So does he feel any less secure than he did heading into camp when he was the certified No. 2 quarterback behind Michael Vick?
"I think right now I'm just worried about practicing today," Kafka said. "I can only control my opportunities I get today in practice."
-- Nate Allen said that the hamstring strain he suffered Sunday during Flight Night practice was minor. The Eagles originally said he "tweaked" it. Allen missed some time in camp and also missed the first preseason game because of a hamstring strain. He said he wasn't sure if he would practice this afternoon.
-- Mornhinweg recently said that the team had discussed the idea of using Chris Polk as a lead blocker, but he said today that the running back hasn't yet been used in that manner in practice. Mornhinweg said that he thought Polk was still capable of doing that job if the Eagles decided to keep the rookie on the roster rather than a traditional fullback.
-- The Eagles have to trim four from their roster by 4 p.m. today to get to 75. The lockers of guard Mike Gibson and wide receiver Jamel Hamler were ominously empty today. Rather than cut more players the Eagles may temporarily save a few roster spots by placing tackle Jason Peters (Achilles), defensive tackle Mike Patterson (brain surgery) or safety Colt Anderson (ACL)on the PUP list.
Foles should remain a project for this season. Neither Edwards or Kafka is a good option as a backup. Now is the time to find a better option on the waiver wire.— fafink- I don't think it really matters which 2 backups the Eagles keep. If Vick goes down, the dropoff will be so significant, that they might as well pack it in. I loved Foles in the exhibitions but he is a rookie who has not been tested under real fire and may be several years away from being even reliable. I think he has more natural talent than Kafka and Edwards combined but at this level, experience and repetitions are the key to success. We saw that even the great Peyton Manning needed a couple of games to shake the rust off before he looked like himself. Foles would not be an instant success even though he would create some special moments. Don't you love those 40 + yard completions? Just pray that Mickael Vick avoids the injuries and this could be a special season. All the pieces are in place for a run if they can keep them on the field. The Eagles aren't perfect, but then again, no other team is either.— gotedge
- i said kafka wasted draft pick from the get go,while die hard lap dogs (ppizza-cyo-etc-etc) thought a conVick/kafka ticket was a SB winner LOLOL they both be gone before you know..we have a New Franchise QB in Town Nick Foles he's strong in the pocket (he doesn't juke and jive and then get sacked)the O-line likes him,the defense likes him he keeps them fresh with ball control and no turnovers..big red has a gut check time to play the kid,,the NFL QB's starting the season atleast three are better then conVick already and Foles is too.....wolf out.— wolf 4
