Commanders

• Commanders QB Marcus Mariota was absent from Thursday’s practice due to personal reasons, as reported by John Keim.
• Commanders DC Joe Whitt Jr. anticipates that DT Jonathan Allen will return from injured reserve and play on a “pitch count.” He expressed his excitement, saying: “I’m excited … Hopefully, that happens.” (source: Ben Standig)

Eagles

Eagles RB Saquon Barkley is making a strong case for the league’s Most Valuable Player award. Philadelphia OT Lane Johnson indicated that during their Week 5 bye, while Philadelphia was sitting at 2-2, he discussed with HC Nick Sirianni about increasing Barkley’s involvement in the game plan.

“A lot of it was, we’ve got Saquon Barkley back there,” Johnson mentioned, as reported by Ralph Vacchiano of FoxSports. “Let’s f—ing give him the ball.”

Eagles OT Jordan Mailata noted that Barkley is a constant source of motivation for his teammates.

“His will and want-to is on display 24-7,” Mailata stated. “It doesn’t stop, it doesn’t waver. He’s very encouraging, always talking to us, always communicating on what he’s seeing on what he wants. And it’s Saquon Barkley, man, whatever he says, you’re like, ‘Yes, sir.'”

While Barkley appreciates the MVP chatter, his primary focus is on winning a Super Bowl.

“I love being in that (MVP) conversation,” Barkley expressed. “It’s cool and all. But if you tell me that I could have the year I’m having and win an MVP but not win a Super Bowl, or I can have the year I’m having and not win MVP or offensive player of the year and win a Super Bowl, I’m going to take the other one.”

Giants

Giants CB Andru Phillips has emerged as the No. 6 overall cornerback in the NFL according to ProFootballFocus. He believes he is proving his mettle against the league’s top talents in his rookie season.

“Coming in, you hear about the NFL guys, and I give everyone the benefit of the doubt,” Phillips commented, via Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post. “But I go out there and I’m like, ‘Oh s–t, I’m pretty damn good, too.’ I’ve been out there going against the best, and I can hang.”

Phillips acknowledges that his high ranking boosts his confidence.

“It’s good to be recognized in some sort of way,” Phillips said. “It’s a cool accomplishment. Good for confidence, I guess.”

Reflecting on his comparison to elite players like Broncos CB Patrick Surtain II and Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie, Phillips stated:

“That’s a crazy thought,” he remarked. “After the season, I might sit back and be like, ‘I did pretty good.’ During the season, it’s just work, work, work to get to that point.”