Head Coach Brian Daboll

Q: Where are we with (wide receiver) Malik (Nabers) heading into this week?

BRIAN DABOLL: Malik (Nabers) has made progress. Good progress where he's able to come out here today and practice. He'll have a red jersey on, but he passed some of the steps that he needed to do. He's better, which is a good thing. So, we'll see. We'll go through today. I'm optimistic, but I'm not going to push anything. That type of injury you want to be smart with. But he is doing much better and it'll be good to have him out here at practice today.

Q: Is the red jersey standard operating procedure?

BRIAN DABOLL: Yes, just non-contact. Stay away from him so he can take the next step hopefully for tomorrow. But I'd say he's much better.

Q: With (tackle) Andrew (Thomas) it is season ending, I assume?

BRIAN DABOLL: Yeah.

Q: How do you replace him?

BRIAN DABOLL: Well, you can't replace an Andrew Thomas. I feel terrible for him. I was able to text with him today. He had his surgery this morning, everything was successful. He's a leader, he's a captain, he's great in the locker room, he's a very good football player. So, that's what the development of players is all about. We've had six weeks here in the regular season where (tackle) Evan (Neal) has taken, I'd say, the majority of right tackle snaps in case something happened to (tackle) Jermaine (Eluemunor). (Offensive lineman Joshua) Ezeudu has taken left tackle snaps. But then, once this happens, you have discussions about how you want to approach it. We'll do a few things here this week and then ultimately after Friday's practice, we'll make our decision on how we're going to go with that.

Q: Is moving Jermaine (Eluemunor) from right (tackle) to left (tackle) one of those options?

BRIAN DABOLL: Yeah, we've talked about that. Again, Jermaine (Eluemunor) will start out today at the right side. We'll put (Joshua) Ezeudu in here at the left. Then we'll rotate guys around throughout the week. However it goes, we'll give the majority of reps to however it sorts out early in practice, on Thursday, and then ultimately on Friday. You're not going to replace an Andrew Thomas. I feel terrible for him.

Q: Could (Joshua) Ezeudu play on the right side or do you look at him as a left side guy?

BRIAN DABOLL: We've moved (Joshua) Ezeudu around quite a bit, I'd say, the last six weeks for purposes. But we have (guard Aaron) Stinnie inside, who would be one of the first guys inside. He's (Joshua Ezeudu) really focused on trying to improve over there on the left side throughout one-on-ones and Evan (Neal) has done the same thing at the right side in one-on-ones and on the look team. They're both improving, but that's the life of a backup. You got to make sure you're ready to go.

Q: Ideally, though, would you prefer to only make as few moves as possible on that offensive line, or do you feel comfortable if you have to make multiple moves?

BRIAN DABOLL: I think we'll just do what we think is best. I think it's always easy just to replace one person, but you want to make sure you're doing what's right for the team because the (offensive) line, they've been doing a nice job. The five of those guys that have played. I know they didn't get a lot of snaps together leading up to the games, but they've really done a nice job of settling in and communicating. That'll be a big missing part with Andrew (Thomas), but the next person has to step up. Just like (outside linebacker) Azeez (Ojulari) had to do that for (outside linebacker) Kayvon (Thibodeaux). Just like (wide receiver Darius) Slayton had to do that for Malik (Nabers). That's the expectation of being on the football team and being ready to go when your number's called.

Q: Will Evan (Neal) continue to only work on the right side?

BRIAN DABOLL: We've talked about that. There's a potential we could start working him at the left side as well. We're going to focus him on the right side right now and continue to help develop his game.

Q: When you look at the work that (Joshua) Ezeudu has put in from last year, he was thrown into this situation last year, but maybe different circumstances. What have you seen from him this year to know that you have some confidence in how he's grown as a player?

BRIAN DABOLL: He's improved. Albeit in practice, in the one-on-ones, in the show team, on the reps that he gets for Andrew (Thomas) or for whoever else we put him in for. I think (Offensive Line Coach) Carm (Carmen Bricillo) and (Assistant Offensive Line Coach) James (Ferentz) have done a good job with his development. Again, he's not going to be Andrew (Thomas). He's going to be (Joshua) Ezeudu, just like Evan (Neal) is going to be Evan (Neal). But there's been improvement in a variety of areas with all those younger players. That's what it needs to be, regardless of what position it is.

Q: I know you've been in this league a long time, but when you lose a player like Andrew (Thomas) and what he means to this line, to this offense, how do you fight the urge from someone saying, 'That's it. The offense line can't function. You're not going to be able to get to where you need to be offensively because you don't have Andrew (Thomas).'?

BRIAN DABOLL: I'd say you don't make any excuses. Injuries happen and that's why everybody's on this team. We talked about that two weeks ago when (Darius) Slayton had a very productive game against Seattle. Or Azeez (Ojulari) did some nice things for Kayvon (Thibodeaux). Everyone's on this team for a reason. They're all working to improve. They're not here just to hold the space. They're working to improve. So when they get their opportunity, they go out there and they do as good of a job as they can do and be themselves and trust their fundamentals, their techniques. That's why they work so hard and are involved in the meetings and get the reps, because you have to develop those guys that are backups throughout the season. Because inevitably, you'll have some type of injury, regardless of the spot it is.

Q: What is it about Josh Ezeudu that you guys think makes him a left tackle? During the draft process, he played tackle, but it seemed like he was coming as mostly a guard…

BRIAN DABOLL: I'd say Carm (Carmen Bricillo) and James (Ferentz) have done a nice job of developing. He has good feet. He's athletic. He's been working in some at times for Andrew (Thomas) over there with (guard Jon) Runyan (Jr.), just like Evan (Neal) has been working in there. You have to give all those guys some reps in case they have to go in. He's worked hard to improve his craft, and he'll have an opportunity to go out here these next few days. We'll end up making a decision on Friday once everything's done. I don't want to make one right now on Wednesday before we go out here and have a practice or tomorrow. We'll do our due diligence and he'll be ready to go.

Q: How is Evan (Neal) in terms of his development?

BRIAN DABOLL: He's developing. His attitude has been excellent. I think his skill set has improved relative to the technique and fundamentals that James (Ferentz) and that Carm (Bricillo) are coaching. He's got the right kind of attitude. He's been a good teammate through this entire process. If his number is called, then he's going to do everything he can do to be ready to play.

Q: Do you have anybody opening their practice window this week?

BRIAN DABOLL: Nope.

Q: Given Evan (Neal)'s draft status and he had played some left tackle, should he be more advanced where he is the next man up?

BRIAN DABOLL: I would just say he's doing everything he can do. And he's improved. I'd say he's taken to the coaching. His attitude has been positive. The things that we've asked him to do, he's improved playing at the right tackle position since he's been out here these last six weeks of the regular season, with the right mindset. He's growing each and every day. If his number is called, I'm confident he'll go in there and do a good job.

Q: What specifically has been different about Evan (Neal) this year?

BRIAN DABOLL: Again, it's more I'm talking about practice.

Q: But you see him with practice every day…

BRIAN DABOLL: Just like I said, his mindset is good. His attitude is good. His technique is improving. He's been a good teammate, and I'm not saying that's different from him in the past, but he's doing everything he can do to be as good as he can be. You see, throughout practice, whether it's one-on-one pass protection, whether it's technique in the running game, not to get too specific on fundamentals and things like that, it has improved.

Q: You went through this last year with Andrew (Thomas) missing a long stretch. It's not a secret that it had a big impact. What did you learn? Are you better equipped to manage it this year?

BRIAN DABOLL: Well, I'd say we have different players too. We have some veteran offensive linemen up front that have been playing good football in (Jon) Runyan (Jr.), (guard) GVR (Greg Van Roten) and (tackle Jermaine) Eluemunor. They're helpful in the classroom as well. The communication with the five of those players, including (center) John Michael (Schmitz Jr.), who's a second-year player. The meeting time, the extra meeting time, the commitment to being really good pros, that's all been helpful. It's not just been helpful for the offensive line, it's been helpful for our quarterback, for the skill guys. They've done a good job of eliminating negative plays that are crucial on early downs. Again, we're not going to replace an Andrew Thomas. He's one of the better players in the league at his position. But it's the next man up mentality.

Q: What kind of reception are you expecting for (Philadelphia Eagles running back) Saquon (Barkley) this Sunday, both from the fans and from his former teammates?

BRIAN DABOLL: I know that the people that have been around him have a great deal of respect for Saquon (Barkley). Our job is going to be to do what we need to do. He's a tough player to defend and we're going to have our hands full.

Q: Devin Singletary, is he going to be practicing today?

BRIAN DABOLL: He is.

Q: Just a few more on the injury front. (Outside linebacker Brian) Burns?

BRIAN DABOLL: We've got some injuries and some guys not practicing today. Two of the biggest ones will be (defensive lineman) Dexter (Lawrence II), who's got a hip, and (Brian) Burns, who has a groin. They won't practice today. I'm not going to get into whether I think they'll practice tomorrow, they're day-to-day. And (punter) Jamie (Gillan) won't either.

Q: How's (kicker) Graham (Gano) coming along?

BRIAN DABOLL: He's making progress. Not there yet.

Q: (Running back Devin) Singletary?

BRIAN DABOLL: (Devin) Singletary will practice. Everybody else will practice.

Q: (Devin) Singletary's going to be full?

BRIAN DABOLL: He will practice. He'll be practicing.

Q: How did (Jamie) Gillan get hurt?

BRIAN DABOLL: At practice.

Q: Is it the left or right foot on Andrew (Thomas)?

BRIAN DABOLL: You know me on specifics with injuries. He had a Lisfranc. Again, I've been texting back and forth with him this morning. It went well. I just feel terrible for him.

Quarterback Daniel Jones

Q: What's it going to be like seeing number (Eagles running back Saquon Barkley) 26 on the other side this week?

DANIEL JONES: Yeah, definitely a little different seeing him in another uniform. But we're competing this week, it's time to go. So yeah, it'll be different at first, but just another big divisional game.

Q: Have you talked to him at all?

DANIEL JONES: I haven't talked to him this week, no. We've kept in touch and talked through the season but no, I haven't talked to him this week.

Q: So, it's like standard ground rules for the game week?

DANIEL JONES: Yeah, I don't know. It's a competition this week. It's about what happens on the field and putting the team in a position to win the game.

Q: How do you think he's going to be welcomed back by the fans?

DANIEL JONES: If I had to guess, probably not warmly. It's a competitive game. It's Eagles vs. Giants. So, big divisional game, there's a lot going on outside of Saquon Barkley being back.

Q: What did he mean to you? Could you put that into words, what Saquon meant to you?

DANIEL JONES: Yeah, a lot. He's a great teammate, a great friend, and obviously a really good player. Spent a lot of time together on and off the field, and someone who helped me out a ton as I was getting into the league and through my first few years. So, I have a ton of respect and appreciation for who he is as a person.

Q: How do you think he should be received? You said, how you think he'll be received. How do you think he should be received?

DANIEL JONES: I mean he did a lot for this franchise, worked really hard, and was a great leader and teammate in this locker room. So, I think that's important to keep in mind. On Sunday, it's about that game, it's about that day and playing well, and winning the game.

Q: How do you guys move forward without your left tackle (Andrew Thomas)?

DANIEL JONES: I think it's next guy up and that group's played well this year. I think obviously it's a tough blow to lose Andrew. He's a tremendous player, a tremendous leader for us. But I'm confident guys will step up and I think more than anything, it's about that group playing well together as a unit, communicating, getting on the same page, and helping each other. And so far, they've done a really good job with that.

Q: But you have to trust your left tackle, right? No matter who's in there, that's your blind side.

DANIEL JONES: Yeah, you have to trust it and I do trust that group. Like I said, they've played well, so I'm confident in the guy stepping up there.

Q: (offensive lineman) Josh (Ezeudu) had a shot at that last year when Andrew got hurt and maybe could have played better. What do you sense for him this year if he has to go in?

DANIEL JONES: Yeah, I think he's had a really good season so far in practice and training camp and he'll be ready to go. Confident in him and the work and preparation he's put in.

Q: How hungry are you guys to get that first win in front of the home fans?

DANIEL JONES: We're really hungry. We're always hungry to get any win, especially a divisional game at home. We're fired up and excited to get out there.

Q: Talk about the communication and I guess the familiarity of the line. Just having to deal with this again, of having another line in front of you.

DANIEL JONES: Yeah, it's not ideal, obviously, but injuries are part of the game, and you have to learn how to deal with them and overcome them. So, we're confident in the guys stepping up and I think it's about the group working together well, picking each other up, communicating, getting on the same page. And that's how we're all going to be successful. So, it's tough, obviously not ideal to lose anybody, especially a guy like Andrew, but it's on all of us to kind of pick it up.

Q: You guys were in this position last year, losing Andrew after the first game of the season. How is it different this go around, with different offensive line coach, and different veterans, but how does it feel different for you as a quarterback?

DANIEL JONES: Well, I think we lost him and a couple of others maybe quickly after that if I remember correctly, as well as several other players. But yeah, I think it's about the group picking each other up. I think we've got some veteran guys in key spots and guys who've played more and are more experienced. I think that helps when you're putting a new guy in, confident in that, confident in (Offensive Line Coach Carmen Bricillo) Carm, he's done a really good job leading that group, getting them ready, getting them prepared. So, I feel like we'll be ready to go.

Q: I think it's one touchdown, 12 quarters at home. How frustrating is it for you and the offense not to give the fans a little bit more offensively?

DANIEL JONES: We're always trying to score touchdowns, whether we're home or away. And we'd love to do it at home and give the fans something to cheer about. But we're always trying to score touchdowns regardless of where we are.

Defensive Lineman Dexter Lawrence

Q: …If you let them slip by, you kind of regret them. Do you guys feel like you're at a point now (inaudible)?

DEXTER LAWRENCE II: (Inaudible) the first four we lost. Those are hard games, too. They all count for something. But, I think, right now, the division is all pretty square. We've still got opportunities. Our week, this week, just to take care of business and go out there and beat the Eagles.

Q: Any doubt you're playing Sunday?

DEXTER LAWRENCE II: I'm playing.

Q: You've always kid about it. You wanted to hit (Eagles running back) Saquon (Barkley). Is this a chance?

DEXTER LAWRENCE II: Yeah. Like I told him, I had a chance to go against him in practice, in the (former Giants Head Coach) Joe Judge era. Got a couple of tackles in on him then. Now it's time for a full game against him. I know what kind of player he is and his mindset going into games. I'm excited to compete and just beat the Eagles.

Q: There will be no trash talking?

DEXTER LAWRENCE II: There's always trash talking.

Q: You've played other teammates before. You played (former Giants offensive lineman) Nick (Gates), with Washington, and stuff like that. This seems a little different though, right? Does it feel like there's a bigger emotional element to this one?

DEXTER LAWRENCE II: I wouldn't just say that, besides it's the Eagles that we're playing. Like you said, I've been against other guys that were here and then went somewhere else. At the end of the day, to me, it's football. You've got to beat whoever is in front of you and this week it's the Eagles. That's the game plan. I'm excited to compete against Saquon (Barkley) for a full game. Just put my will on him a little bit.

Q: You talk about the guy in front of you, beating the guy in front of you. It's different now. You're not going to have (former Eagles center Jason) Kelce out in front of you. So, what was that like? You put that in perspective last year and were very complimentary of him. But is it going to be different to see a new guy snapping in front of you?

DEXTER LAWRENCE II: Not necessarily. He (Eagles center Cam Jurgens) played guard last year a good bit. So, I've seen his game some and obviously watched tape on him this year. It's a man in front of me that has to play the same game as me. I'm excited to just go out there and just compete and keep proving us right in this organization and keep growing.

Q: Cleveland did a pretty good job stopping Saquon last week. Did you see anything on film that stood out that they did well?

DEXTER LAWRENCE II: I think we've got to stop Saquon from getting going. We've got to clog the holes. We've got to get a lot of guys on him, a lot of bodies on him. He's good at finding the second lane, third lane type of thing. We've got to stop his feet before he gets going because then he's explosive. Elite (running) back. We've got to stop his feet. We've got to beat the guys in front of us on the offensive line and make sure Saquon doesn't get started.

Q: What do you think the reception will be for him on Sunday from the 80,000 non-players?

DEXTER LAWRENCE II: No telling. No telling.

Q: What would you like to see happen?

DEXTER LAWRENCE II: Honestly, I think he did a lot of good for this organization. But, we've got some tough fans and they're going to bring him in however they feel is right by them. I appreciate what he did for this organization and who he was as a teammate and a person to me, most importantly. But, Sunday is war and he knows that.

Q: You're planning on playing this week. Where are you at physically?

DEXTER LAWRENCE II: I'm good. I'm where I'm at after every week.

Q: Well, you didn't practice today, so there's no concern for Sunday?

DEXTER LAWRENCE II: Just resting, man. Just resting.

Q: Have you spoken to Saquon since he left?

DEXTER LAWRENCE II: Yeah, he was at my wedding. We caught up over that time and I told him that whenever we play, it's war and he knows that. Like I said, I'm just excited to play against him for a full game.

Q: Is there something fun about that, the possibility of tackling someone who was a former teammate?

DEXTER LAWRENCE II: I think it depends on the tackle. If it's a tackle for a loss, then yeah. If he knocks me back a little bit for a couple gains, then no. But I plan on more tackle for losses.

Q: Do you think the Eagles are vulnerable?

DEXTER LAWRENCE II: I don't know what you mean by that.

Q: Are they beatable? Right as we started here, you said, 'Beat the Eagles,' several times. Just wondering, do you feel confident you're going to do that?

DEXTER LAWRENCE II: I feel confident we can beat anybody. I don't think it's just the Eagles. I don't really play into the emotions. They all can change. I don't really listen to those or pay attention to that. Our goal is to beat the Eagles. Whoever we play next week it's going to be to beat that team and so on and so forth. So, that's just the mindset.

Offensive Tackle Jermaine Eluemunor

Q: On the injury to Andrew Thomas…

JERMAINE ELUEMUNOR: Yeah, you never want anything like that to happen, especially to one of your best players on the team. So, it definitely sucks, and I know that he feels really bad about it too. And like I said, we never want that to happen. It was great that he was able to play through that during the game too, which is a testament to his determination and his strength and things like that. So, I just wish him the best.

Q: The past couple years, you've moved over to the left in maybe a situation like this. Are you expecting that to happen? Willing to do that if they ask you to do that?

JERMAINE ELUEMUNOR: If I have to, I'll do it. But I believe in (Offensive Lineman Joshua Ezeudu) EZ, and I like playing right tackle. But I think that we have the players here in order to help soften the burden. And (Head Coach Brian Daboll) Dabs is able to adjust some things to make it easier for certain guys in there and get him going.

Q: How big of an adjustment was that when you did it in the past, where you're taking all your reps right tackle, and you got to go for a week and over maybe two weeks?

JERMAINE ELUEMUNOR: Yeah, I think people kind of don't understand how hard it is, mentally and physically. I don't really know how to compare it to anything just in regular life. But just thinking about, you're used to doing something a certain way, and then out of nowhere with like two, three days' notice, you have to switch it. It's tough. And that's a testament. I took pride in it because it helped me get here. And being in the position I'm in right now, if I have to do it, like I said, I'll do it, but my preference would be to be on the right side and let EZ handle things on the left because I believe in him and I know what he can do out there.

Q: Is this line, you five guys have not missed a snap the first six games. When this happens, is it like a jolt to the whole group?

JERMAINE ELUEMUNOR: What do you mean by that?

Q: Is it like, I don't know if you expected to play all 17 games together. But when you're left tackle, a guy like (tackle) Andrew (Thomas) goes out, is it kind of like you guys got to look at yourself and talk to each other and say, 'okay, we got to figure this out here'?

JERMAINE ELUEMUNOR: No, I mean, we have a veteran offensive line. We've played with guys who have been banged up before. Me and (guard Greg Van Roten) GV in Vegas last year, (Raiders tackle) Kolton (Miller) went down for a number of games, and we had to make adjustments for that. I'm sure (guard Jon) Runyan (Jr.) played with (Packers tackle David) Bakhtiari in Green Bay, and he's went down there, had to make adjustments on that. (Center John Michael Schmitz Jr.) JMS has dealt with his fair share of being banged up and things like that. So, I feel like as a veteran offensive lineman, it's kind of just go with it. Obviously, it sucks that AT not going to be able to play the rest of the season, but it's our job to soften the blow and keep things going as offensive line.

Q: Is there something to be said for, if you just put (offensive lineman) Josh (Ezeudu) in for him, it's keeping the other four guys stable. And you guys have obviously had some cohesion so far this season?

JERMAINE ELUEMUNOR: Yeah, I think that when things like that happen, you kind of want to minimize the movement on the offensive line, just to keep the chemistry going. And instead of just inserting two new guys, it's easier to insert one, in my opinion. And so, like I said, Josh, he had a great camp. He's been doing his thing at left tackle on scout team. And he's been going against the one's, he's going against (outside linebacker Brian) Burns, he's going against (outside linebacker Kayvon) Thibodeaux, he's going against (outside linebacker) Azeez (Ojulari), all great rushers. And he's held his own, so I'm excited to see what he can do on Sunday.

Q: You said that you have faith in (offensive lineman) Josh (Ezeudu). What really have you seen from him from this spring, just in terms of his work and his development?

JERMAINE ELUEMUNOR: Yeah, I mean, Josh has kind of been following me around, watching me on the sideline when I'm playing games. He's asking me certain questions about why I do certain things a certain type of way. Because if you watch my play, I'm not (49ers tackle) Trent (Williams), I'm not (tackle) Jason Peters. I'm just me and myself, and I have a different style of play out there. And so, EZ asks me this type of question, 'why'd you throw your hands that way? Why'd you set that way? What do you think of this play? What do you think about that play? What do you think about this technique versus this technique? The D-line uses this technique versus the other technique?' Just little things like that. So, he's been picking my brain about certain things. And as a backup swing tackle, you have to be ready for any opportunity that you get. And this is the opportunity now, and I believe that he's ready for that. And I'll be with him all week. I'll be with him out there on Sunday. If he has any questions, then I'll be able to help him. Obviously, I'm going to watch for him, all the rushes he goes against, I'll be able to give him pointers and stuff, too. And kind of soften the burden on him and take the burden on my shoulders to make it a point of emphasis to make sure he goes out there and does his job and has all the confidence in the world to do it.

Q: So, you kind of took him under your wing almost whenever you got here?

JERMAINE ELUEMUNOR: Yeah, I feel like that's the job of a veteran. Especially the one that I want to be, and the type of player I want to be, and the type of teammate I want to be is to bring the young guys along with me. When I was a young guy in the league, I had guys that pulled me along with and kind of helped me get to where I'm at now. And I always remember the little lessons they taught me. So, for me, knowing EZ real flexible, he can play all positions, kind of like I can. He can play left tackle, left guard, right guard, right tackle. And so, I want to just help him, kind of teach him the ways of things, and just help him go out there and be as confident as he can be.

Offensive Tackle Evan Neal

Q: On his mindset…

EVAN NEAL: I'm just taking it one day at a time. Just getting better. Focusing, honing in on my routine and my process. Taking the coaching and just going out there and giving 100% on the field every day.

Q: They were considering maybe playing you over at the left side. You did that in college. How much of an adjustment would it be for you to do that here at the pro level?

EVAN NEAL: I feel like it would be an adjustment, but not a huge one. Since I've been in the league, I've been playing primarily on the right side. But, left tackle is something that I can do if need be.

Q: Would you be open to that if they said, 'Hey, we want to play you over there?'

EVAN NEAL: If they wanted to play me at left (tackle), I'd be open to it but, that's the coach's call.

Q: Would it be fair to say you just want to play?

EVAN NEAL: It'd be fair to say that.

Q: How long did it take for you to get fully healthy, like into the early season?

EVAN NEAL: It's just been an everyday process, just building up. I started camp on PUP, and it's just been a gradual ramp up throughout the entire process. It's just a testament to the people in the athletic training staff, just me being a pro, creating my routine and being consistent with it. Making sure that I'm healthy, I'm feeling good every day and I've just been stacking days all the way up to this point. So, I'm feeling pretty good.

Q: What's it been like for you to have to sit on the bench, I'm sure you haven't done it before in your life, to not play in the first six games?

EVAN NEAL: It's definitely my first time experiencing this. But I like to try to learn from any situation that I'm in. Whether it be a positive one or a negative one. I look at the situation I'm in, and obviously it's not ideal for me, being that I do want to play, but it's what I'm asked to do right now and I'm going to embrace this role. I'm going to go out there and practice and get better every day. Push my teammates and continue to be who I am and work hard.

Q: Injuries are obviously out of your control. But that being said, it probably did set you back a little bit working with the new offensive line coach and whatnot. Do you feel like you have caught up now to what they want and do you feel comfortable with what they've taught you?

EVAN NEAL: Yeah, I was injured, so I wasn't able to participate in on field activities. I didn't miss any meetings.