On the Birds Beat-Wednesday, September 24th - Wednesday, September 24, 2008
144 Views :: 0 Comments :: :: Team - Eagles, Brian Seltzer

Today, from One Nova Care Way...

•    Injuries
Victor Abiamri did not practice (wrist; out since training camp)
Kevin Curtis did not practice fully; light work with scout team (hernia; out since 8/21)
Shawn Andrews did not practice (back spasms; out since 9/15; doubtful)
Donovan McNabb did not practice (chest contusion; out since 9/21)
Brian Westbrook did not practice (ankle strain; out since 9/21)
LJ Smith did not practice (back; out since 9/21)
Tony Hunt did not practice (concussion; out since 9/21)

•    Andy Reid said that the injuries to both QB Donovan McNabb, TE LJ Smith, and RG Shawn Andrews were improving.

•    Donovan McNabb had a different take on the chest contusion he suffered against the Steelers. He revealed that the soreness has actually worsened since Sunday; however, he expects to play against the Bears.

•    Brian Westbrook is optimistic about his right ankle strain.  The running back spent yesterday’s off-day at the Nova Care Copmlex working out.  His rehab sessions this week last about 2-3 hours. 

•    Westbrook has not started jogging on his right ankle yet, even though it has gotten better since Sunday.

•    On our radio show Monday night, Westbrook told Harry Mayes and myself that his ankle injury was similar to the one that FS Brian Dawkins suffered during the Eagles’ third pre-season game against the Patriots.  Dawkins did not return to action that contest, sat out the exhibition finale the following week, and then appeared in the Birds’ regular season opener two weeks after he sustained the injury.  Although Westbrook’s progressing positively, it would seem that two weeks’ recovery time is reasonable to expect before the rusher regains full strength, and that he has a better chance of playing against the Redskins than the Bears.

•    On Monday, Andy Reid said that the results of evaluations on the back of TE LJ Smith were inconclusive. This morning, he provided an update, saying that there was no strucutural damage done, and that before returning to the field, Smith will need to wait until the discomfort in his back dies down to the point where he can function.  The Rutgers product observed practice from the sideline today, and seemed to be in good spirits.

•    Also taking in today's workout in an observatory role were injured Eagles Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, Tony Hunt, and Shawn Andrews.

•    WR Kevin Curtis participated in practice on a limited basis.  It marked his first football related activity since being shut down with a sports hernia August 20th. 

•   Another first today concerning Curtis, he was not ruled definitively out for the forthcoming game.  Odds are against him playing versus the Bears, but clearly, the wideout could be on track towards a return against either of the Eagles' next two opponoents, the Redskins and 49ers respectively.

•  RG Shawn Andrews is no doubt frustrated that his back spasms are preventing him from contributing to his club, particularly given the time he missed during Organized Team Activities and Training Camp due to depression.  The linemen, though, is encouraged by his injury's recent improvement; however, he's not gettnig too excited, since spasms can recur sporadically.