NFC East Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Giants, Redskins

Cowboys

Cowboys TE Jason Witten says he doesn’t regret retiring for a year to pursue a broadcasting career, saying Monday Night Football was too big of an opportunity to turn down. He realized pretty quickly, though, he still had football left to play. 

“I always said I’d rather be a fish in the big pond, and not a big fish in the small pond,” Witten said via Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. “I wanted to swim where the lights were bright, and I certainly had an opportunity, enjoyed it. But I just felt like there was a fire that was too strong to come back and play. That’s what I love. Winning and losing matters, competing. And I know can’t do it forever. But certainly, while I had that opportunity, I wanted to trust my gut.”

• Per the Athletic’s Jon Machota, former first-round DE Taco Charlton has been the subject of some trade rumors but took a step toward silencing those by recording two sacks, a force fumble and a recovery in Dallas’ third preseason game, impressing owner Jerry Jones: “I liked what Taco did out there tonight. You’ve got to be proud for him. He’s come a long way. … He’s just gotten better and better and better right before our eyes.”
• Backup Cowboys DE Kerry Hyder also impressed with two sacks Saturday after signing this offseason as a low-cost free agent from the Lions. 
• Cowboys WRs Devin Smith and Cedrick Wilson appear to be battling for the final receiver spot on the roster. 

Eagles

Eagles rookie WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside posted a big game on Thursday, catching eight passes for 104 yards and a touchdown. Eagles HC Doug Pederson believes Arcega-Whiteside can be an “explosive” player moving forward. 

“One of the things (about) J.J. is (he is) a hard worker,” Pederson said, via PhiladelphiaEagles.com. “You see it in practice every day. He comes to work every day. He wants to get better. He wants to be taught. He wants to learn. The red zone, we know he can be explosive. He was able to do that really not only there, but out in the field.”

• NJ.com’s Mike Kaye takes a look at some speculative trades candidates from the Eagles’ preseason opponents.
• Kaye says could target Titans TE MyCole Pruitt in a trade to add more depth. Kaye believes Tennessee could be interested in Eagles OL Matt Pryor. 
• Kaye believes the Eagles could target either Jaguars G A.J. Cann or WR Keelan Cole in a trade, giving up either RB Josh Adams or Wendell Smallwood in return. 
• Kaye notes the Eagles could look at a trade for either Ravens TE Charles Scarff or WR Jaleel Scott, with LBs Alex Singleton or T.J. Edwards potential options to swap with Baltimore. 
• The Philly Voice’s Jimmy Kempski lists the Eagles 2020 draft needs, as it stands now, as defensive end, safety, cornerback, wide receiver and interior offensive line. 
• Kempski says LB Kamu Grugier-Hill isn’t a candidate for injured reserve as he should be recovered from his sprained knee after a few games. 
• Eagles DC Jim Schwartz had high praise for DB Avonte Maddox‘ versatility: “He’s a little small for defensive tackle but he’d figure it out.” (Zack Rosenblatt)

Giants

• Per NJ.com’s Ryan Dunleavy, Giants fifth-round WR Darius Slayton tweaked his hamstring again. 

Redskins

• Per NBC Sports’ JP Finlay, Redskins HC Jay Gruden said OT Donald Penn is the starting left tackle. 
• Gruden said the team is confident TE Jordan Reed will be fine but also highlighted Washington’s confidence in its depth with TE J.P. Holtz. (Finlay)
• Gruden mentioned it was “very possible” 2019 would be a redshirt year for fourth-round RB Bryce Love, who remains on the PUP list. (Finlay)