NFC East Notes: Eagles, Giants, Redskins

Eagles

• Jimmy Kempski of the Philly Voice can’t see the Eagles trading either G Halapoulivaati Vaitai or WR Nelson Agholor before the season, as both are projected to play key roles. 
• Vaitai is currently the starter at right guard if Brandon Brooks isn’t recovered in time for Week 1, as well as the first player off the bench in case of any offensive line injuries. 
• Kempski says Agholor could also play a larger role than expected this season even though the Eagles are expected to use more two-tight end sets. 
• Kempski believes WR Mack Hollins should be safe on the final roster due to his upside and special teams ability while highlighting G Stefen Wisniewski and LB Nate Gerry as potential “surprise cuts.”
• Eagles QB Nate Sudfeld is not a candidate for either the PUP or injured reserve designated to return to provide extra space during roster cuts, per Kempski.To return from the PUP list after six games, a player must be placed on the list before the start of training camp. In order to return from injured reserve, a player must also be on the 53-man roster the Tuesday following cutdowns. 
• Kempski mentions CB Orlando Scandrick as a candidate to be released and then re-signed in order to avoid guaranteeing his salary. Kempski says the Eagles could also put CB Cre’Von LeBlanc on injured reserve and consider designating him to return later on. 
• Ravens RB Kenneth Dixon could be a trade candidate for the Eagles following joint practices, according to Kempski. 
• Eagles QB Cody Kessler was cleared for practice Monday from his head injury. (Mike Kaye)
• Eagles TE Richard Rodgers was carted out of joint practices with the Ravens after suffering an apparent injury. (Jeff McLane)

Giants

Giants WR Sterling Shepard shed his non-contact jersey and practiced in full for the first time since fracturing his thumb in training camp. Shepard and the team had been treating the jersey as a suggestion more than a rule recently, but it’s a positive sign the receiver will be healthy and ready to play for the Giants in Week 1. 

“It’s actually healed up pretty fast and … I’m feeling good,” Shepard said via Zach Braziller of the New York Post. “I wouldn’t say I’m all the way back, but I’m pretty close. I’m where I need to be. I feel good about that.”

Redskins

• NBC Sports’ JP Finlay writes that Redskins first-round QB Dwayne Haskins has a clearer path to starting following the news of QB Colt McCoy‘s continued struggles rehabbing his leg injury. 
• Instead of having to beat out both veterans McCoy and QB Case Keenum, the latter is the only one between Haskins and a starting job now, per Finlay. 
• Finlay adds that Haskins is still unlikely to start Week 1 as the team takes a long-term approach to his development. 
• Per ESPN’s John Keim, Redskins HC Jay Gruden had “no updates” on the situation with OT Trent Williams. 
• Gruden added RG Derrius Guice still hasn’t been cleared for full contact but should be okay soon. (Keim)
• NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport says, however, the “tentative plan” is for Guice to play in the third preseason game against the Falcons. 
• Gruden added WR Paul Richardson is working his way back and is waiting for the “green light” to play in a game. (Finlay)