Eagles Notes: Foles says he still has a shot to start at QB

Nick Foles still believes the quarterback competition is open, even though it appears that Michael Vick has taken a lead in the pursuit of the starting job.

"I'm going to keep working," Foles said. "My mind-set stays the same. My work ethic stays the same. My ultimate goal, always, is to play. Not going to change anything."

Practice was closed to reporters on Sunday, but Foles said the quarterbacks continued to split snaps.

The players are off on Monday, when the coaching staff will meet and determine how to split the quarterbacks - and whom to start - in Saturday's third preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said the staff has an initial plan, but that coach Chip Kelly will announce it when it's ready.

"I don't go to bed at night stressing over what's going to happen," Foles said. "I sleep great. When I'm here, I work my butt off. It's not a focal point to me."

Rookie Matt Barkley smiled when revealing that he still considers himself in the competition because a starter has not been named, but Barkley does not appear to be in contention. Shurmur said Barkley has "made great strides" and shows improvement when he settles down in games.

"He's learning the offense and getting comfortable with the plays we call," Shurmur said. "I think you'll only see him get better and better."

The fast-paced offense the Eagles have displayed in the first two preseason games is still apparently a scaled-down version of what to expect in the regular season. Shurmur said Sunday the Eagles can go even faster.

"I think we are not where we need to be yet," Shurmur said. "I think we would all like to play faster and faster and fast and be efficient and run good plays. But I think we are much closer to where we need be when it's for the real games."

The same seven players who missed Saturday's practice were sidelined on Sunday: tight end Emil Igwenagu (concussion), offensive lineman Danny Watkins (concussion), running back Felix Jones (oblique), cornerback Curtis Marsh (hand), offensive lineman Dennis Kelly (back), linebacker Casey Matthews (knee), and safety Kenny Phillips (quad). . . . Defensive lineman Isaac Remington played with the offensive line on Sunday and wore No. 52 instead of his usual No. 61. It's not considered an official change on the roster. Julian Vandervelde already wears No. 61 on offense. . . . Michael Vick will dedicate a "Team Vick" football field on Monday in Hunting Park.

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