Eagles Notes: DeMarco Murray itching to play Saturday

DeMarco Murray was active in practice Wednesday. The Eagles running back said afterward that he felt great, would like to play in the preseason game Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens, and could play if the season began Thursday.

Of course, the season does not begin until Sept. 14, which is the key date for Murray. But if coach Chip Kelly wants to play him Saturday after holding him out of the preseason opener, Murray won't object.

"It's obviously Chip's decision what he wants to do," Murray said. "But I feel good and definitely open to playing."

Murray said he's comfortable in the offense, and he's confident that he knows how to prepare for the season regardless of how much work he gets in the preseason. But he does think a few carries could be beneficial.

"Just get a good feeling," Murray said. "I don't know the number. I wouldn't put a number on it. So obviously, you're out here working, but definitely want to get a touch or two in the preseason, get a feel for getting a couple hits in."

Murray has had a sporadic practice schedule since training camp started. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said the Eagles have a plan for him and also have 2,000 plays from the spring to use in his evaluation.

"He's a veteran player, and he'll get himself ready to go, and it'll be within the structure that we have for him," Shurmur said. "We're not as concerned about it as I feel this line of questioning [is]."

Juan Castillo, a longtime Eagles assistant coach, is now the offensive line coach for the Ravens. He spent 18 years with the Eagles and was happy to return to the NovaCare Complex to see familiar faces - not just players such as offensive tackle Jason Peters, but also behind-the-scenes employees, including cafeteria workers.

Even though Castillo's tenure ended with his dismissal as defensive coordinator, the good memories overshadow the bad ones.

"Think about how many games we won," Castillo said. "We gave the Philadelphia fans a lot of fun. And I'm going to tell you right now - the fans, that's the other thing that's important to me. . . . I'll never forget it. My sons grew up here. Really, they're from Philadelphia."

Safety Earl Wolff was not on the practice field with the team. Wolff has been affected by knee soreness. . . . Linebacker DeMeco Ryans returned to practice after missing Tuesday's session. Ryans, Kiko Alonso, and Mychal Kendricks were all in pads, although they did not participate in 11-on-11 drills. . . . Andrew Gardner played right guard with the first-team offense.

- Zach Berman and Bob Ford