Updated: 1:34 p.m.
A day after he finally returned to practice, Eagles backup quarterback Nick Foles was not in attendance at the start of the Eagles' indoor practice on a rainy Tuesday afternoon. But it wasn't what you think.
Doug Pederson said he excused Foles because of illness; he said Foles' elbow is fine.
Foles has missed most of this summer with an elbow injury that dates back to his 2016 season in Kansas City. Foles hasn't played in any of the first three preseason games and it's unclear if he'll play in Thursday's preseason finale.
Earlier this week, Pederson said he's confident Foles will be ready for Week 1 against Washington on Sept. 10.
And on Monday, Frank Reich said Foles will be ready even if he doesn't play this preseason.
"The good thing in Nick's situation is you certainly want to play every play you can," Reich said, "but he's proven so much in his career, he's been a winner at this level, proven that he can win big games, do what it takes to win big games. So we're confident."
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Foles hasn't spoken to reporters since he returned for a practice session on Aug. 15, saying he felt "really good." He hasn't practiced much since then.
Foles participated in the first day of training camp, missed two weeks, returned briefly, missed more time, returned Monday and is now out again. The Eagles have continued to say it's all been precautionary, but there might be cause for concern.
While Foles was missing in action as Tuesday's practice began, Ron Brooks and Jordan Hicks (groin) both returned to practice after missing two days. Chris Long returned after missing Monday's session.
Brandon Graham (elbow), Destiny Vaeao (calf), Nate Gerry and Najee Goode were still not practicing. Goode had a brace on his hand.
In the very brief time, reporters were allowed to watch Tuesday's practice, long snapper Rick Lovato spent his time snapping the ball to Donnie Jones. This was Lovato's first practice after the team traded Jon Dorenbos on Monday night.
