Injury List Expands to Create a Who's-Who of Players
The current injury list is as follows:
Brian Westbrook (ankle surgery), Victor Abiamiri (torn pectoral muscle), Shawn Andrews (back spasms), Jason Peters, (quad spasms), Asante Samuel (hamstring spasms), Trevor Laws (sore hamstring).
Wow. There are four Pro Bowl players on that list. And so soon after the opening of camp. I mean, didn't veterans just report? I'm not too worried though, as Cap'n Andy has already stated that these guys (excluding Westbrook and Abiamiri) could be ready to go as early as today. I'd have no problem with them taking a few days off to work out the kinks, though. After all, as we are all aware, today is the first day of pads-on, full-contact drills. They can take as long as they need, as far as I'm concerned.
It's no secret that Andy Reid runs one of the toughest training camps in the NFL. Unlike many other teams, the Birds go full-bore the minute camp opens. You hear more moans and groans (albeit joshingly) from Eagles players about camp than from most other teams, and it's easy to see why. Add Andy's hard-charging, no-prisoners approach to camp to the dead-of-summer Lehigh Valley climate, and you're bound to wind up with some injuries. For those of you who have ever attended training camp at Lehigh, you know what I mean; the air hangs and does not seem to circulate. A three-minute walk from your car to the practice field viewing areas produces more sweat than Patrick Ewing in the fourth period. I can't imagine what it's like to strap on heavy pads and a helmet and go out into the sweltering heat and debilitating humidity to get my ass kicked up and down the field all day.
Every year, as the training camp injuries mount, I wonder if a change needs to be made. Reid's methods certainly produce one of the better-conditioned and more hard-nosed teams in the NFL, but it seems like injuries nag the Birds from day one every season. I'm not saying that we should go the Wade Phillips route (he doesn't allow hitting at his camps), because that's just silly (and why the Cowgirls are just plain soft). But maybe there's a happy medium to be reached.
Now, I realize that training camp will produce injuries no matter what happens. It goes with the territory. I defy anyone to be one hundred percent game-ready after almost five months off. I just think that the talent we have is too valuable to be lost to the sidelines because of injuries sustained during conditioning drills. I suppose that all they can do for now is let these guys take it slow for a little while, and work their way back to full speed in their own time. Hamstring and back ailments are nothing to sniff at, and must be managed carefully. On the part of the players, they certainly cannot afford to attempt to rush back onto the field. Just because they can participate despite their ailments does not necessarily mean they should. So here's begging you, Jason, Shawn, Asante, and Trevor: take your time. It's a long camp. We need you ready, but more importantly, we need you healthy.
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shawn andrew’s back spasms concern me. He had back problems last year and that helped sideline him. Maybe it’s just a coincidence, but it seems like his back isn’t fully healthy
Eh, lets let him
do position drills and what not but no Live team shit till like week 3 of the preseason.
On the Eagles podcast...
Spadaro said the Reid indicated they were all very minor injuries.
Then again, any sentence that begins with “Spadaro said” is never going to be followed by anything remotely objective.
He doesnt allow tackling
It is fully live up to popping the RB but you dont take him to the ground. Lineman go full throttle with the exception of cut blocking. No offense guys but you dont know what heat is.
I find the harder I work, the luckier I get. Thomas Jefferson
Good post, great line:
A three-minute walk from your car to the practice field viewing areas produces more sweat than Patrick Ewing in the fourth period.
LOL
Still waiting for the Eagles to Bring It Home For Jerome
Great post, we need more fan material like this on the site.
I’m still debating as to whether the intensity of Reid’s training camps is a good or bad thing. On one hand, it could make the team a more durable unit, which may be why we excel in the colder months. On the other hand, it could overwork our players too soon, which may be why the first few weeks of our seasons are usually plagued with horrendous upsets. I’m thinking our training camp should be a hybrid – some days could be intense, full contact sessions, while others could be used for conditioning or technique drills.
I can’t believe Wade Phillips conducts no-contact training camps. I can’t believe it….but I’m still thankful for it. Maybe that’s why the Cowboys always look so stunned when we pop them in the mouth.
"THIS IS NOT COLLEGE NO MORE. THIS IS THE BIG MAN SPORT." ~Crazy Lady on BGN forums
It has worked, but that doesn’t change the fact that we get a lot of unnecessary pre-season hangups due to training camp injuries. I know every team has to deal with them, but it seems like ours linger and nag the team throughout the entire season. You’re right though, if it ain’t broken dont fix it.
"THIS IS NOT COLLEGE NO MORE. THIS IS THE BIG MAN SPORT." ~Crazy Lady on BGN forums
by southjersey89 on Aug 1, 2009 12:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, but also you have to look at the cowboys
they said there not tackling… How is that going to help them?
if it ain’t broken dont fix it.</blockquote)
I agree there but Im all for making it more efficient.
question about abiamiri
has anyone given a likely timetable for his return? i was really disappointed when i heard about his injury, he has the potential to be the consistent threat we need opposite cole, he just has to stay healthy.

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