NFC Notes: Eagles, Panthers, Saints

Eagles

With Eagles receivers DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffery slated to miss at least this week, maybe more, with injuries picked up early in Sunday night’s game against the Falcons, Philadelphia is counting on WRs J.J. Arcega-Whiteside and Mack Hollins to step in. While the pair bear some similarities to the players they’re replacing — Hollins as a field-stretching deep threat and Arcega-Whiteside as a physical rebounding specialist — neither has the resume or experience of Jackson and Jeffery, and the Eagles understand that. 

“We’re not going to ask Mack to go be DeSean and we’re not going to ask JJ to go be Alshon,” Eagles QB Carson Wentz said via the Athletic’s Zach Berman. “They’re going to be themselves. And I think they’re both explosive and dynamic in their own right. … We’re going to scheme things up well and put guys in the best position to succeed.”

• NBC Sports’ Peter King pinpoints the Eagles as a potential landing spot for Jaguars CB Jalen Ramsey, saying Philadelphia could offer CB Sidney Jones and a first and third-round pick. 

Panthers

• According to the Athletic’s Joseph Person, Panthers QB Cam Newton missed practice again on Thursday. 
• The Panthers have said Newton won’t play on Sunday against the Cardinals if he can’t practice, indicating that backup QB Kyle Allen will likely draw the start in Week 3. 
• Newton remains in the walking boot, causing some speculation about his availability beyond this week. (Person)
• Panthers HC Ron Rivera mentioned he would have another update on Newton Friday. (David Newton)
• Panthers OC Norv Turner told reporters Newton’s lack of rushing success — five carries for negative yardage — in the first two games had more to do with the Rams and Buccaneers forcing Newton to hand the ball off on the zone read than the health of his foot: “Obviously the foot’s not 100 percent, but it’s not an injury. There’s a lot of guys who go out there and play with a sore shoulder or a sore knee, sore foot, whatever it might be.” (Newton)

Saints

• According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Saints QB Drew Brees‘ thumb surgery went “perfect.”
• Brees is expected to remain in Los Angeles for rehab and the original time frame of six weeks is still feasible. The Saints haven’t placed Brees on injured reserve.