Kelly: Foles Can Be A Full-Time Starter


The quarterback watch continues here at the NovaCare Complex.

The Eagles held Thursday’s practice indoors due to the weather. Michael Vick was on the field once again with his teammates during the portion that was open to the media. Still nursing a hamstring, he was limited the past two days, though his workload increased on Wednesday.

“He’s going through drops, he’s throwing balls to receivers,” said Chip Kelly. “We got him involved a little bit in seven-on-seven yesterday, and we’ll see depending on how the beginning of our training goes whether we can give him more today or not give him more today. All that really comes back to the feedback that Mike gives us.”

Despite any progress Vick may be making, Nick Foles is most likely to get the start. The second-year signal-caller has manned the first unit during team drills so far this week. Foles was solid while pinch-hitting for Vick against the Giants, throwing for 197 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Kelly was asked if he has seen enough to believe that Foles can be a full-time starter in this league.

“Yeah, I have,” Kelly replied. “I think Nick has the ability to be a starter in this league. We’re excited about him. If the opportunity presents itself on Sunday I’m excited to see Nick out there.”

— Earlier this week, Matt Barkley admitted that his throwing shoulder was hurting him more than he let on this spring. Kelly said the team was aware when they drafted him that the rookie wasn’t all the way back from the separated shoulder he suffered against UCLA last November, and that he has made noticeable strides while working with the Eagles’ strength and conditioning coaches. The ball is “jumping off his hand” more now than it had previously, according to Kelly.

Patrick Chung (shoulder) was a full go at practice Wednesday. While Kelly said that today is big for the safety to see how his body responds, the head coach suggested Chung is on target to play against the Bucs. Bill Davis hinted that Chung will be part of a rotation to start.

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