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Malcolm Jenkins, Michael Bennett, De’Vante Bausby wait to take field instead of protesting during national anthem

There was no visible protest from the Eagles during the national anthem.

Eagles defensive backs Malcolm Jenkins and De'Vante Bausby stands in the Eagles tunnel during the national anthem before their preseason game against the Patriots on Thursday.
Eagles defensive backs Malcolm Jenkins and De'Vante Bausby stands in the Eagles tunnel during the national anthem before their preseason game against the Patriots on Thursday.Read moreYONG KIM / Staff Photographer

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Last week, Malcolm Jenkins went back to the raised-fist protest during the national anthem, for the Eagles' preseason opener. He was joined by De'Vante Bausby, with Michael Bennett staying out of view until the anthem ended.

This week, Jenkins and Bausby stayed in the tunnel that leads from the visitors' locker room to the field at Gillette Stadium. Jenkins and Bausby then sprinted to the bench after the anthem finished. Bennett, who apparently stayed in the locker room for the anthem, walked out slowly a few minutes later.

Afterward, Jenkins was asked why he changed his "path."

"The path didn't change, same thing. It was just about where we want the focus to be," Jenkins said after the game. He said he wants the message to be about racial inequality, "and not about "whether or not the football field is the right place and time to [protest.]"

Eagles absences

Jalen Mills did not play Thursday after leaving practice on Tuesday with an undisclosed injury. Rasul Douglas started in Mills' place.

Wide receivers Nelson Agholor and Mack Hollins were absent after missing practice this week. Running backs Corey Clement, Josh Adams, and Donnel Pumphrey were also sidelined, as expected. Each rusher missed practice on Tuesday.

Defensive end Brandon Graham, wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, and safety Chris Maragos remain on the physically-unable-to-perform list. Defensive tackle Tim Jernigan is on the non-football injury list.

Although offensive tackle Jason Peters and running back Darren Sproles have been full participants in practice, coach Doug Pederson held both veterans out for the second consecutive week.

Using their heads

The NFL's new rules regarding lowering the helmet on tackles struck the Eagles again. The defense was flagged twice in the first half for the new penalty – once when Rodney McLeod tackled James White at the end of a 22-yard reception, and another time when Nigel Bradham brought down Julian Edelman.

Sidney Jones was also flagged for that penalty last week, as was tight end Richard Rodgers, on a punt. Officials tend to emphasize new rules in the preseason, but it's clearly something the Eagles must be cognizant of entering the season. Whether they agree or disagree with the calls or the rule, they will forfeit valuable yards if this extends into the regular season.

Wynn-lose situation

The Pats' first-round rookie offensive tackle, Isaiah Wynn, left the field on a cart in the first quarter with what was announced as an ankle injury.

Birdseed

The first of New England's three sacks of Nick Foles came when ex-Eagle Patrick Chung shoved Jay Ajayi back about 15 yards, past Foles, then made the tackle. … Wide receiver  Mike Wallace made his Eagles preseason debut, but Foles failed to connect with him on three first-quarter passes. … Doug Pederson went for it on fourth down just before the half, as he has done before against New England, but there was no trickery this time. Nate Sudfeld scrambled, then tried to shovel a pass to DeAndre Carter, who was well-covered. … Sixers center Joel Embiid was a pregame visitor to the Eagles' sideline. … WR Bryce Treggs (hamstring) TE Richard Rodgers (knee) and TE Joshua Perkins (head injury) were among the injured Eagles. OT Taylor Hart left the game with cramps. … The three Eagles quarterbacks were sacked a total of eight times. Christian Hackenberg, signed this week, was in uniform but didn't play.