Eagles Notebook: Darius Slay clearly a fan of Reed Blankenship, Josh Allen’s humor

PHILADELPHIA — Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills worked his NFL counterparts into a lather this week revealing the name of the audible he calls to capitalize on slow (and white) linebackers.

Allen calls it “Milk Check.”

Eagles cornerback Darius Slay, among others, appreciated the lighthearted snapshot of a slow, lumbering player trying to keep up. He used the audible to make a point about Eagles safety Reed Blankenship, who plays fast, and in the two joint practices with the Browns picked off Deshaun Watson three times.

“This is a different ‘Milk Check’ over here,” Slay said. “This ain’t no ‘Milk Check.’ (Blankenship is) good milk. He don’t spoil. He makes a lot of plays. He’s been smart. As you can see, he was growing into it last year, playing at a high level, filling in for Chauncey (Gardner), and still rotating a little bit. And learning from Marcus Epps last year and all that, and carrying it over into this year.

“(Blankenship) is one of the top guys in our secondary. He’s been doing a great job, communicating, leading the way. Right now, he’s got the most picks during camp and I’m kind of jealous because I’m trying to win.”

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The Eagles activated wide receiver Devon Allen, the 28-year-old Olympic hurdler, from the active/NFL list. Allen was nursing a calf injury. He faces an uphill spot to make the roster as the Eagles signed a bevy of receivers, including veteran Olamide Zaccheaus.

The Eagles also signed wide receiver Johnny King and cut offensive linemen Chim Okorafor and Trevor Reid.

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Every so often the Eagles send a blast text message to media covering the team to clarify a matter they believe to be troubling. Such was the case Thursday with a message adding background to the thumb injury suffered by Haason Reddick this week.

The Eagles contend that those reporting they are hopeful that Reddick is available at the start of the regular season are incorrect. Rather, the team is confident he will be ready for the start of the regular season, with WILL in all caps.

No one is tougher than Reddick, who has played through pain no one can imagine. His availability kind of goes without saying. At the same time, if the clarification holds true, here’s hoping the Eagles WILL continue the blast texts into the regular season.

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NOTES >> Eagles cornerback Zech McPhearson was favoring his right ankle as he was helped off the field after breaking up a pass on third down.  McPhearson notched six tackles. … Eagles first round pick Nolan Smith injured his shoulder in the first half. He left with one tackle and one hurry. … Eagles wide receiver Zaccheaus exited with a shoulder injury after a 17-yard reception in the first quarter. He also had an 11-yard punt return. … Browns cornerback Mike Ford exited in the first quarter with a shoulder injury. … Jake Elliott drilled a 56-yard field goal in the first half, matching his longest of last season. … Browns cornerback Lorenzo Burns (shoulder) exited after being shaken up in the first half … In the second half Eagles defensive tackle Moro Ojomo and wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland were carted off with neck injuries. Both were able to move all extremities per the Eagles.