On the Birds Beat-Wednesday, October 1st - Wednesday, October 01, 2008
173 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)
Donovan McNabb participated in practice (chest contusion; since 9/21)
Brian Westbrook participated in practice (ankle strain; since 9/21)
LJ Smith participated in practice (back; since 9/21)
Kevin Curtis participated in practice (hernia; since 8/21)

•    RB Brian Westbrook appears to be on track to make his return Sunday versus the Redskins.  He participated in this morning’s walkthrough, and was also involved in the afternoon practice, putting on his helmet and pads for the first time since suffering his high ankle strain 9/21 vs. Pittsburgh.  Afterwards, he said, "It went well."

•    The extent of Westbrook’s activity at today’s practice won’t fully be known.  On Wednesdays, the team only permits the media to view the first ten minutes of the workout.  During this time, the Pro Bowler ran through individual drills, doing light running and catching passes out of the offensive backfield.

•    As for how long it will be until Westbrook goes through a full practice, the rusher believes he’s close.  Andy Reid plans to gradually work him back, increasing his workload on a daily basis.

•    Reid revealed that QB Donovan McNabb is not completely over his injury, and said that he’s “very sore today.”  McNabb continues to receive treatment one to three times a day for his chest contusion, and he admitted this morning that he still feels pain in multiple areas across his chest wall.

•    TE LJ Smith was back at practice for the first time since sustaining his back injury against the Steelers on September 21st.  At times the target of deserved criticism, Smith’s return will be welcomed after the Birds’ reserve TE’s struggled blocking at Chicago.  S Danieal Manning blew past Brent Celek on the opening series for a sack, and we all know about the whole DE Alex Brown/Matt Schoebel thing…

•    Hard not to notice Andy Reid pulling PK David Akers aside for a talk that lasted a couple minutes at the start of today’s practice.  On Monday, Reid said that Akers, who missed FG’s of 50 YD and 47 YD last Sunday, needs to solve his accuracy problem (3/13 FG 40+ YD since last season), and that he and Akers will work on it this week.  

•    DE Victor Abiamiri, out since the pre-season, had screws removed from his wrist yesterday.  Although he didn't workout today, the Birds believe his return is imminent.

•    RG Shawn Andrews was spotted walking out of the training room at the Nova Care Complex in civilian clothing.  He visited a specialist today for consultation about his nagging back spasms.

•    Later in the afternoon, Andrews spoke with reporters about his back spasms.  He indicated that his condition improved greatly over the past 48 hours, and that he left the specialist today extremely encouraged.  The Pro Bowler indicated that his rehab could intensify very soon, and while he didn't specifically state whether he'd return to practice this week, he certainly made it sound like taking that step isn't too far off.

•    WR Kevin Curtis remained with the scout squad today.  His sports hernia has not improved enough for him to re-join the first stringers.  Given the lingering nature of his injury, he's being cautious, and doesn't want to push it.