D-Jax going back to punt returns?: It's only May but the Eagles had DeSean Jackson returning punts during minicamp practice on Monday. It sounds like Jackson's happy about it. "[Coach Chip Kelly] wanted me to be back there and me wanting to be back there myself," said Jackson to Philadelphia Magazine when asked about returning to the spot. "I think last year, being able to have Damaris (Johnson) come in here and take on that role helped me out a lot. But at the end of the day too, I still missed a lot of those opportunities where I was able to do things in the past where if it was a 20-yard run, 50-yard run, whatever ... if it was a touchdown. I mean those were things that helped the offense out, and you really don’t realize it, but they help out a lot." (Updated 5/13/13)
Injury Report
Ribs - Probable for start of training camp (Updated - 1/25/13)
Fantasy Analysis
To be fair, Jeremy Maclin was also returning punts so this might just be an exercise for the receivers and not a new (old) role for Jackson. Then again, it sounds like Jackson wants to return punts. Playing poorly the last two seasons he totaled six touchdowns and 1,661 receiving yards while missing six games. Consider D-Jax a No. 3 Fantasy receiver you can snag with a pick in Round 7 or 8. (Updated 5/13/13).
05/15/2013 20:58 Finding the Fits: Barkley is the future in Philly
While not as athletic as the quarterbacks Chip Kelly featured at Oregon, Matt Barkley's intelligence, quick set-up and delivery and accuracy (especially on the move) make him an intriguing fit in high-tempo attack that already boasts plenty of playmakers.
DeSean Jackson is hoping the addition of new coach Chip Kelly can turn his career around. Jackson has been a huge disappointment the past two years. In 2011, while dealing with his contract status, Jackson had just 58 catches for 961 yards and four touchdowns. He then dropped to 45 catches for 700 yards and two touchdowns in 2012, including being out the final five games with a rib injury. Kelly has promised to use Jackson a lot this year. Jackson has plenty of potential – he had 2,200 receiving yards and 17 total touchdowns from 2009-10 – but he has to stay healthy and prove he wants to be an elite receiver again. The good thing with Jackson this year is you can draft him with a mid-round pick compared to the past two years when he was an early-round selection. If you land Jackson as your No. 3 receiver then you're in good shape and if Jackson plays 16 games he can again reach 1,000 receiving yards with at least seven touchdowns. (Updated 4/26/13)
