Pascal getting back to form after bout with food poisoning
PHILADELPHIA » The story is painful. Zach Pascal, a fan of Mexican cuisine had a chicken quesadilla like no other.
One massive stomachache and 16 pounds lighter, the Eagles’ wide receiver has had to rethink his culinary priorities.
“I ain’t going to lie,” Pascal said of the recovery process. “It probably took me five or six days. I had to gain my strength back. Especially my strength in my stomach. After throwing up so many times, that muscle tends to get sore and tender. So, it took a couple days with that. I’m not 100 percent but I’m almost there.”
Pascal (6-2, 214) looked like he was all the way there in team drills Tuesday. Pascal got so open that Jalen Hurts could follow through on the bullets he fired to the receiver in the corners of the end zone.
Though the Eagles were juggling defensive backs, it was early enough in practice where they had their legs. If Pascal does this during the season he’s going to get a ton of targets. He caught 38 of 69 targets with three touchdowns last season with the Colts, most of the throws from Carson Wentz.
The Eagles have speed outside in Quez Watkins, DeVonta Smith and Jalen Reagor. Dallas Goedert gets down the field. With Pascal working the inside or the cleared-out areas, Hurts won’t have to lift off as often as he does.
The practices with the Browns this Thursday and Friday in Berea, Ohio, will offer more about Pascal’s role.
“I’ve got the opportunity just from being out here in camp to fight for whatever it is, and do whatever I’m asked,” Pascal said. “If that’s wide receiver three, wide receiver two, wide receiver one, whatever it is then I’m out there.”
Pascal joined the Eagles on a one-year, $150,000 contract. Though he liked Indianapolis, he’s warmed up to Eagles fans in a hurry. Pascal enjoyed interacting and playing catch with fans before the preseason game with the Jets.
“I’m originally from Maryland,” Pascal said. “So, I went to a Washington Redskins game, or a Commanders game and they were playing the Giants. And (Giants receiver) Victor Cruz threw me a ball on the sideline and that made me feel like I actually was part of the game in a way. So, I always told myself whenever I made it to the league I’m going to interact. Even if it’s tossing the ball to a fan or a kid. That could change their whole day, their whole life, whatever it is. I would love to be able to do that for somebody.”
The way Pascal is practicing, there should be plenty of opportunities this season to spread the good will.
The Eagles waived/injured wide receiver Lance Lenoir, safety Jared Mayden and cornerback Jimmy Moreland to get down to the 85-man roster limit.
Tight end Grant Calcaterra (hamstring), linebacker Christian Ellis (ham), safety Marcus Epps (back), defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (toe), center Jason Kelce (elbow), running back Miles Sanders (ham) and wide receiver Greg Ward (toe) didn’t practice Tuesday.
Limited were offensive lineman Le’Raven Clark (ham), receiver John Hightower (groin) and running back Boston Scott (concussion).
NOTES » Among the visitors Tuesday were former Eagles Torrey Smith and Darren Sproles, both retired. Smith made some big plays to help the Eagles defeat the Falcons on the way to their Super Bowl LII title … With Epps out, Reed Blankenship got first team snaps at safety, picking off Reid Sinnett in team drills … Defensive back Ugo Amadi, acquired from the Seahawks for JJ Arcega-Whiteside, did not practice Tuesday.