Eagles' Fletcher Cox sidelined with back spasms; Barnett meeting expectations

The Eagles missed the centerpiece of their defense on Sunday when they practiced without tackle Fletcher Cox, who was sidelined with back spasms.

Cox missed a day earlier this summer when coach Doug Pederson rested him, but he played in the preseason opener last Thursday and even forced a fumble. The Eagles return to practice Monday morning and have two more sessions before hosting the Buffalo Bills on Thursday.

With Cox out, second-year defensive tackle Destiny Vaeao took first-team snaps next to Tim Jernigan. The depth at defensive tackle is important to watch because Beau Allen remains sidelined with a pectoral injury suffered in the spring. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz likes to rotate defensive tackles, and he said Vaeao has taken advantage of more playing time this summer. Rookie Elijah Qualls has impressed in the past week, too.

"I think Destiny has really had a good camp," Schwartz said. "There were some opportunities since Beau has been down, and Destiny has really taken advantage of those. I think also, probably for about the last week, Qualls has really been on the rise. Really, since he came back from his injury, he's been hard to handle. He made some plays in the game."

BARNETT PLAYING TO THE STANDARD

Two sacks in his first preseason game would seem to be enough for Derek Barnett to earn a compliment. For Schwartz, it was simply Barnett playing to the standard expected of the No. 14 overall pick.

Barnett played 23 snaps in the game. He was tasked with a number of responsibilities: stopping the run, dropping into coverage, and, of course, rushing the passer. It was a good debut for the rookie, who agreed with Schwartz that the way he played should not be a surprise.

"I think it's expected of me," Barnett said. "I feel like being a first-round pick, I have to come in and help early. I'm trying to do that as much as possible … It was just the first preseason game."

Guard Brandon Brooks (ankle), cornerback Ron Brooks (hamstring), running back Wendell Smallwood (hamstring), tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai (knee), wide receivers Bryce Treggs (calf) and receiver Paul Turner (shoulder), quarterback Nick Foles (elbow), tight end Anthony Denham (calf) and offensive lineman Josh Andrews (hand) all remained absent with injuries. Tackle Dillon Gordon has a hand injury, but he still practiced. Cornerback Aaron Grymes returned to the field after missing Saturday for personal reasons.