NFC Notes: Cardinals, Cowboys, Eagles, Vikings

Cardinals

Cardinals WR John Brown said he is not ready to return from a quadriceps strain he suffered during training camp.

“My body is different than others’,” said Brown, via Kent Somers of AZCentral Sports. “They expect me to come back fast, but I can’t. I’m all right, but I’m not where I want to be at.”

Cardinals HC Bruce Arians confirmed that Brown has not yet recovered from his injury.

“He’s not available,” Arians said. “You’re only as good as when you’re available.”

Cowboys

• Cowboys QB Dak Prescott said he will “definitely” play during this week’s preseason game, but is unsure of how much playing time he will receive. (James Palmer)
• Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said OLB Jaylon Smith will make his NFL debut in Saturday’s preseason game. (Todd Archer)

Eagles

Eagles executive VP Howie Roseman explained their thinking in regards to the trade that sent WR Jordan Matthews and a draft pick to the Bills for CB Ronald Darby.

“[Personnel conversations] start the minute you report to camp. We had these conversations with Buffalo throughout training camp and as we went into the first preseason game and we found a match. Hard trade to make. Jordan Matthews, extremely productive, historically productive as a Philadelphia Eagle wide receiver, and then you’re giving up a third-round pick, too,” Roseman said, via NFL.com. “You go back to our scouting staff … they do a great job in the draft, so you’re sitting there and going, you’ve got two possible starting-caliber players. What are you getting back? Is it worthwhile for what you’re getting back?

“When we looked at our team, how the wide receivers were doing in camp, the young wide receivers, maybe it allows us to keep another young wide receiver that we couldn’t before. We just felt like this was the best for the Philadelphia Eagles at the time.”

Vikings

• According to Tom Pelissero, the Vikings have “more optimism” in QB Teddy Bridgewater‘s recovery since suffering his knee injury.
• Bridgewater has been going through “extensive” workouts in practice without a knee brace.
• However, Pelissero adds that Vikings HC Mike Zimmer said that it is still uncertain if Bridgewater can protect his knee or play in game situations.