Eagles Rumors

The Eagles run game has been rather inconsistent all year, and is one of the areas of concern for the team at this point.  One positive development could be the return of Todd Herremans, who has stated previously that he’d like to return for the Raiders game.

As discussed previously, he’s now out of his walking boot and could even return to practice this week.  It’s worth keeping an eye on — it would be a big deal to get the left guard back healthy for the Redskins game.

Kevin Curtis will be held out of practice over the next several days in hopes that some additional time off will help his knee heal up.  Jeremy Maclin’s performance has obviously made that decision easier.

Asante Samuel’s calf injury is minor, he will not be getting an MRI as previously stated by Reid.  Sheldon Brown has a minor abdominal strain.

With the Raiders up this week, any player with lingering issues certainly won’t be pressed into duty.  The NFC East schedule starts in Week 7.

 1PM Update:

The coaches are considering shutting Kevin Curtis down for the season.  He missed practice again today, as his knee continues to bother him with swelling and significant pain.

The rookie will start on Sunday.  This makeover of the “skill” position guys is what many Eagles fans have been asking for.  Let’s see if they’re right.

On the other side of the ball, Jeremiah Trotter is going to be the “starter” (umm… wow) in the middle.  Still, expect a lot of shuffling of all the linebackers.

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Later on today we’ll bring you injury updates (including the official injury report), and the latest from practice.

But wanted to get this up here first:

Joe Banner, on Andy Reid’s contract status and whether it will be extended:

“Yeah I’m sure it will be…I’m sure that issue will be resolved”

Reid’s contract runs through the end of next year.  The Eagles have certainly left the door open for moving someone else in, though the lack of a new contract to this point could just as easily be at Reid’s discretion.  The answers should come this off-season.

Donovan McNabb will start on Sunday and will likely be wearing extra protection of some kind around his ribs.

Brian Westbrook and Kevin Curtis will both be playing, though they will be rotating with their rookie position-mates (McCoy and Maclin, respectively).

In more positive news, Todd Herremans is out of the protective boot and walking around.  He is definitely out for Sunday, though.

Donovan McNabb said (in his weekly ETN show) that he “will be out there” for practice today.  However, it looked like he immediately realized he shouldn’t be making that proclamation and said “well, at least I’ll be out there.”

McNabb does look much more comfortable, and most expect him to be playing this weekend.

We’ll catch up on the rest of the Eagles injured later today and give a practice report.

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Update:

The Birds held a short practice today.  Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, and Kevin Curtis all participated.  It looks like each of them should be ready to go on Sunday.

Todd Herremans can now put weight on his injured foot.  He’ll see a doctor for a re-evaluation today.

Jeremiah Trotter also practiced, and it will be interesting to see how he gets utilized in the weeks ahead.  We speculate that he’ll be part of the heavy packages designed to stop the run, while Gaither remains the guy in the base sets.