On the Birds Beat-Friday, September 19th - Friday, September 19, 2008
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Today, from One Nova Care Way...
•    Injuries:
Victor Abiamri did not practice (wrist; out since training camp; will not play)
Kevin Curtis did not practice (hernia; out since 8/21; will not play)
Shawn Andrews did not practice (back spasms; out since 9/15; doubtful)
Jamaal Jackson did not practice (personal reasons; out since 9/17; will play)
Reggie Brown practiced (hamstring; probable)

•    Andy Reid classified RG Shawn Andrews as doubtful today, due to the back spasms he started to experience Monday on the Eagles’ final drive of the first half.  He did not practice all week, and walked through the lockerroom this afternoon with a lumbar back support apparatus around his waist. Reid said that Andrews isn’t recovering as fast as the Birds would have hoped.

•    Max Jean Gilles will replace Andrews at RG, should the Pro Bowler not play.  Jean Gilles started each of the Eagles four pre-season outings as well, with Andrews sidelined due to depression.

•    Reid is “very comfortable that Max will step in and do a good job.”  Jon Runyan, the Eagles’ RT that will line up next to MJG, echoed similar confidence.  He’s comfortable with the Georgia product, and praised him for not hesitating to ask questions when they arise.  

•    Runyan believes MJG’s biggest adjustment will be getting acclimated with the game speed Sunday, which will be drastically different than what he’s experienced in exhibition contests and practices.

•    Reid virtually confirmed that WR Reggie Brown will make his first 2008 appearance this Sunday.  He said that Eagles “will give him reps…give him an opportunity to play.”  Brown’s been out since the Panthers’ pre-season game with a hamstring strain.

•    As for whether Brown will start, Reid was ambivalent, explaining that the Eagles will be doing “everything off of personnel groups right now…there’s a chance he does, there’s a chance he doesn’t.”

•    Given all the focus placed on Brian Dawkins in the aftermath of the Cowboys’ game, it was interesting timing for Reid to say today that rookie S Quintin Demps got a little more work at practice this past week.  There was no indication at those sessions, however, that Dawkins is in danger of losing his job.

•    WR Kevin Curtis is again sidelined this week due to his sports hernia, but his progress seems positive.  He was doing running drills on a side field at the Nova Care Complex today.  Earlier this month, Reid expressed optimism that Curtis could return before the Birds’ Week 7 bye.

•    Attending today’s practice was Bob Lamont, the agent that represents Andy Reid, in addition to many other NFL coaches, including Mike Holmgren, Jon Gruden, and Mike Nolan.  Lamont enjoyed a casual conversation with Birds’ owner Jeffery Lurie, who four years ago extended his head coach’s contract through 2010.