Eagles Injury Update: Ryan Mathews is back and looks "explosive" in practice

Here's an update on the Eagles' injury situation following the team's training camp practice on Saturday. Note that Philadelphia didn't practice in pads so it was lighter than it's been in recent days.

DID PRACTICE

Ryan Mathews - He officially returned to practice yesterday but he didn't seem to do too much before leaving early. Mathews participated fully today. After practice, offensive coordinator Frank Reich gushed about him. "He just looks explosive out there," Reich said. "He just looked explosive. He looked quick. He was seeing things. And I know it was a toned down practice with no pads, but we're still playing fast. He's an explosive, physical runner." Reich is right, too. Mathews did have some nice runs. The Eagles are expected to use a running-back-by-committee approach this season, but Mathews is still expected to be the first guy up. If he can stay healthy, that is, which is obviously a huge "if."

Zach Ertz - Ertz left practice early on Friday after getting hit low by Blake Countess. He was cleared to return to practice on Saturday after being evaluated for a concussion yesterday.

Nolan Carroll - The veteran corner returned to practice on Saturday after sitting out on Friday.

Brandon Brooks - Brooks returned to practice yesterday and practiced again today.

DID NOT PRACTICE

Jason Peters - Still dealing with a quad injury. Matt Tobin is filling in for him at left tackle.

Malcolm Jenkins - Still dealing with a hamstring injury. The Eagles have been mixing Ed Reynolds, Chris Maragos, and Jaylen Watkins at first team safety in his absence.

Rodney McLeod - Not hurt, but McLeod missed practice again due to a family issue.

Jordan Matthews - The receiver didn't practice after suffering a knee injury on Friday. He's expected to be "fine" but he's going to miss some practice time.

Wendell Smallwood - The rookie running back is still out. Dealing with a quad injury. This means more reps for Kenjon Barner and Byron Marshall.

Marcus Smith - He'll be out until he passes through the NFL's mandatory concussion protocol. Steven Means took his place at second team defensive end.

Marcus Johnson - The UDFA receiver got hurt last Saturday so he's been out for a week now.

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The Eagles are set to play their first 2016 preseason game in less from a week from now on Thursday, Aug. 11.