Philadelphia Eagles News: Latest Buzz Surrounding Philly's Preseason

The Philadelphia Eagles' preseason has been relatively quiet, but that's a good thing.

The 2011 season was, of course, not so quiet. The Eagles had an offseason of dreams, signing Nnamdi Asomugha, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Jason Babin.

Unfortunately, Philly also signed Vince Young, and this happened:

The "Dream Team" never really materialized, and the Eagles finished just 8-8 despite winning their last four games of the season.

This year, things are different. Young is gone, no one has uttered those two dreadful words and expectations are back to a reasonable level, arguably turning Philly into a sleeping giant.

Sometimes, quiet is a good thing.

But that doesn't mean there isn't news coming out of training camp. Let's take a look at the most recent buzz.

Tra Thomas to Retire as Eagle

It's impossible to sum up what Thomas meant to the Eagles organization in just a few words, but to see him retire as an Eagle is truly a great moment. The news comes from Thomas himself via Twitter:

"

I am officially retiring as an Eagle this Thursday!11 great years.

— Tra Thomas (@7deucesports) August 13, 2012"

The big left tackle was drafted in the first round by Philly in 1998 and never failed to live up to that billing. He started 165 games over an 11-year span, racking up one All-Pro and three Pro Bowl selections. 

And he was just as good of a person off the field as he was a player on it. 

After one year with Jacksonville in 2009, it's perfect to see Thomas come back to Philly, the city he meant so much to, to officially retire. 

Injury Updates

It's early, but the injuries are already stacking up for some of Philly's best players. Luckily, though, they don't seem severe. 

First up, Michael Vick. The enigmatic quarterback suffered a thumb injury during Thursday's preseason opener, but it appears he will be just fine (via CSNPhilly.com's Reuben Frank):

"

Michael Vick said the swelling is way down and he expects to practice this afternoon. Looked like he was squeezing Play-Doh-ish substance.

— Reuben Frank (@RoobCSN) August 11, 2012"

Even if Vick does make a full recovery, the Eagles would be smart to keep him limited the next few weeks. He knows the offense, so rest for his glass house of a body would be better than extra preparation at this point. 

Then we have Jeremy Maclin, who strained his hamstring before Thursday's preseason opener. According to the Eagles' official Twitter account, the talented wide receiver was a participant in Sunday's practice. 

Maclin and Vick both look fine. It appears the Eagles have dodged a major bullet after what looked like a horrendous way to start the season on Thursday. 

Jaiquawn Jarrett Struggling

Jarrett, the 2011 second-round pick out of Temple, has yet to make the strides he was supposed to make. Now, things are getting even worse (via Jimmy Kempski):

"

Jaiquawn Jarrett demoted. Running with the 3's. Tom Nelson running with 2's.

— Blogging the bEast (@Jimmy_Beast) August 12, 2012"

He supposedly went back to the second-team defense, but at this point, Jarrett, who looked lost at times during the preseason opener, is in risk of being cut. 

Not good for someone who is a year removed from being the 54th overall pick.  

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