Eagles Rumors

Andy Reid has reported that DeSean Jackson passed the initial concussion recovery test, one performed by Eagles medical staff.  He still needs to be tested by an independent physician before being able to resume football activities.

Jackson did not say for sure he’ll be playing in Week 9 when asked.  You have to believe he’s still feeling the effects of the brutal hit.  Remember, this is Jackson’s second concussion in as many years.  He missed a game last season as well.

In other Eagles injury news, Brodrick Bunkley appears on the verge of returning to action for the Birds.  However, he may have lost his starting job.  Antonio Dixon has played well in his absence and Eagles coaches appear to be impressed.  We’ll know more when things get back to normal at the NovaCare Complex early next week.

Several important Eagles remain on the injury report.  First, LeSean McCoy was held out of practice yesterday to rest his injured ribs.  He is fully expected to play on Sunday and should rejoin the team for practice (in some capacity) this week.

Broderick Bunkley did not practice again.  He has not been involved in any action since injuring his elbow, but he continues to hold off on surgery in hopes that he can return.  He is not expected to play this week, but may be able to return after the bye week.

Jason Peters will not practice this week or play on Sunday as he recovers from knee surgery.  King Dunlap will continue to fill in for him.  Dunlap was a pleasant surprise on Sunday.  The Eagles gave up only a single sack, their lowest total of the season.

Finally, Michael Vick will practice in a limited capacity this week.  He will not play on Sunday.  A decision looms on the horizon for Andy Reid.

Andy Reid said that Jackson was in for treatment this morning and in good spirits.  Concussions are difficult to predict.  If Jackson is already feeling better that is a great sign.

Reid essentially said he’s out this week.  Then the team has a bye.  We’d still be surprised if he’s back for Week 9, but we’re a bit more optimistic than we were after last night’s reports.

Andy Reid is saying (without saying) that Kevin Kolb is his Week 7 starter.  Vick will be given another week to rest his injuries, as we predicted.  Depending on Kolb’s performance this week, he may not get his job back.

And it’s the second of his career.  The hit was brutal, illegal, and possibly dirty from Dunta Robinson.

Jackson is obviously out this week.   If we had to guess right now, we’d guess four weeks.  Luckily after the Titans the team hits the bye week.

Today the Eagles traded the disappointing Mike Bell to the Browns for Jerome Harrison.  Harrison is in the classic Reid-era Eagles running back mold, a guy who’s an excellent pass catcher, smaller, and quick.  This is someone who can be used interchangeably with LeSean McCoy, though surely not as effectively.

Jason Peters is out for several weeks after surgery today.  He had a torn meniscus repaired and some scar tissue cleaned out.  His recovery timetable is up in the air, but it seems a return around Thanksgiving would be the earliest.

After a visit to Dr James Andrews, it looks like Brodrick Bunkley could and will try to play through the injury.  Nothing is certain at this point, but Andrews claims he will not risk further injury.  If he can handle the pain while retaining enough strength in his elbow/arm to be effective, the Eagles will continue to use him.

Switching gears, expect Kevin Kolb to remain your starter this week.  It makes too much sense for the Eagles to give Vick another week off heading into the bye.

The Eagles were already missing Michael Vick, Asante Samuel, Riley Cooper, and Nick Cole.  LeSean McCoy is banged up (not that you can tell by his performance).  At various points during the game yesterday, the team lost Jason Peters, Brodrick Bunkley, DeSean Jackson, Trent Cole, and Brent Celek.

Jackson, Cole, and Celek were able to return to the game.  Bunkley and Peters were not.

Bunkley’s injury appears to be serious, despite the Eagles post-game report of a sprain.  We suspect he’s going to be out several weeks with his elbow problem.

Peters has a sprained knee.  He seems to suffer an injury every week so his situation is unpredictable.  The only thing worse than Peters recurring “injuries” is how badly the Eagles need him.