On the Birds Beat-Friday, October 3rd - Friday, October 03, 2008
165 Views :: 0 Comments :: :: Team - Eagles, Brian Seltzer

Today, from One Nova Care Way...

•    Injuries
Victor Abiamri practiced limited (wrist; out since training camp; doubtful)
Shawn Andrews did not practice (back spasms; out since 9/15)
Donovan McNabb practiced fully (chest contusion; since 9/21; probable)
Brian Westbrook practiced fully (ankle strain; since 9/21; questionable)
LJ Smith practiced fully (back; since 9/21; questionable)
Kevin Curtis practiced limited (hernia; since 8/21; doubtful)

•    Classified as “probable” for Sunday, QB Donovan McNabb is expected to play.  At the start of this week’s run of practices on Wednesday, McNabb’s chest contusion was very sore.  Despite some lingering pain today, the injury felt much better.

•    RB Brian Westbrook is still on track to play against the Redskins.  Does that mean you should activate him on your fantasy roster?  With a “questionable” listing (meaning he has a 50% chance of not playing), he’s not a lock; however, today marked his first full practice (he was limited yesterday and Wednesday) since suffering his high ankle strain.

•    Westbrook’s ability to cut remains a question mark.  Andy Reid wavered when asked about the issue.

•    Reid did offer further insight on RG Shawn Andrews’ back spasms.  The head coach described the Pro Bowler’s condition as “day-to-day,” and explained that the spasms stem in part from a previous disc problem in Andrews’ back.

•    Reid added that for now, surgery has been ruled out for Andrews.

•    Andrews also discussed the injury with reporters.  Although he said that he felt as optimistic today as he did on Wednesday (when he also talked about the back spasms), the RG’s body language suggested otherwise.  He said, “[The injury] continues to get better.”

•    CB Lito Sheppard said on Comcast Sports Net earlier this week that he’s not satisfied “at all” with the Eagles’ three-corner back rotation, and that he needs “to be on the field somehow, some way.  If that’s not going to happen, then it’s not going to work.”  Yesterday, Jim Johnson hinted Sheppard could see more involvement this Sunday.  To that remark, Sheppard responded, “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

•    Maybe it’s the Phillies’ playoff buzz that’s been dominating town the past couple days, but those inflammatory comments by Sheppard (his most pointed ones on record to date) went virtually ignored by the media, and didn’t pick up any steam.  This storyline is played out, dunzo.  Sheppard is not going anywhere, barring an unforeseen development by which the Eagles’ and another team have emergency needs that align.  Sure, the corner stated that “it’s only going to get worse” if the Eagles don’t address why he’s not playing, but that’s just the latest in a line of empty threats issued since May.  If Sheppard really wants to remind the front office about a situation that’s “been swept under the rug,” then he should deliver upon his words, and do something drastic.  But then again, that would cost a little coin…  Sheppard should be given credit for not following through on his remarks with destructive actions; however, he’s naively misguided if he believes that approach will result in more reps, or more money.

•   My one-on-one interview for this week's pre-game show (11 AM Sunday w/ Jack Mac, Greg Cosell, and Joe DeCamara) is with P Sav Rocca, named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month.  He and I discuss his strong start, the obstacles his move from Australia created for his family, and the struggles of PK David Akers.