| On the Birds Beat-Thursday, September 25th - Thursday, September 25, 2008
143 Views :: 0 Comments ::  :: Team - Eagles, Brian Seltzer Today, from One Nova Care Way... • Injuries
Victor Abiamri did not practice (wrist; out since training camp)
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)
Kevin Curtis participated in practice (hernia; out since 8/21)
Tony Hunt participated in practice (concussion; out since 9/21)
• Like yesterday, Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, and LJ Smith stood out on the practice fields and observed the workout from the sidelines.
• Further indicating that McNabb has a very good chance of being activated Sunday at Chicago, offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said that he expects the quarterback to “play well” against the Bears. • Mornhinweg caused some ears to perk up at his press conference today when he responded to a question with the following answer: "I personally would rather have a number one receiver, but you can do it the other way and be just as explosive and dynamic...I think that we have several guys that are sort of number one receivers." The underlined portion of the quote certainly speaks to a strong sentiment within Eagles nation...
• Walking through the Eagles lockerroom this afternoon, RB Brian Westbrook didn’t show any noticeable signs of a limp or significant gait in his step. Still, he seems to be a long shot for the Birds’ bout with the Bears.
• With the status of McNabb, Westbrook, Smith, and Andrews all up in the air for this weekend, Marty Mornhinweg’s offensive blueprint for the Bears game probably has its fair share of contingency plans. The offensive coordinator acknowledged that whether or not his normal starters get the clearance to play “occasionally affects the play selection.”
• Mornhinweg avoided discussing the dismissal of Matt Millen as President of the Detroit Lions, saying only, “Take the high road here. I’ve been removed from that for some time. This is a tough and unforgiving profession and those things happen. We’ll leave it at that.” Mornhinweg served as the head coach of the Lions during the first two years of Millen’s tenure, leading Detroit to an abysmal mark of 5-27 during that span. Millen then fired Mornhinweg in 2003.
• WR Kevin Curtis continued to make encouraging progress with his sports hernia. For the second straight day, he was involved in practice to the extent that he participated on the offensive scout team. It appears doubtful that he assumes an active role Sunday in Chicago, but beyond that, he could have a shot of rejoining the roster for the Redskins.
• LCB Asante Samuel has swiped a pass in each of the Eagles past two contests, and probably should have had three picks alone in the Birds’ opener against the Rams on September 7th. Today, Samuel is pleased with his production so far, and that the team’s $57 million investment in him to generate turnovers appears to be paying off in the early going. He said, “I don’t want to be known as a guy who got the money, and became a bust.”
• For the Bears, the status of explosive returnman Devin Hester is in doubt due to a rib injury. Special Teams Coordinator Rory Segrest said that the Birds have a “flexible gameplan” in regard to their coverage schemes for Sunday, depending on whether or not Hester is able to play.
• Tomorrow’s practice will be an intriguing one. The Eagles obviously don’t want the Bears knowing whether or not Donovan McNabb or Brian Westbrook will play, but whether either one of them works out tomorrow should be revealing. Talk to you tomorrow! |
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