Eagles Unfazed by Spagnuolo Speculation

Eagles players heard the speculation yesterday about St. Louis coach Steve Spagnuolo returning to become the Birds' defensive coordinator, middle linebacker Jamar Chaney said, but they didn't pay it much heed.

"You hear about it. You've got guys on social networks, your family, they're goiing to be watching all the media shows and whatnot that's on TV," Chaney said today. "You hear about it, but you don't let it get into your head; we've got one more game to play ... We've got to make sure we just focus on the Redskins. After that, it's up to the front office and whoever controls all that."

Of course, the Eagles are not allowed to have any contact with Spagnuolo right now, and it isn't at all clear that he wants to come back here if he is fired in St. Louis.

Chaney and other Eagles interviewed don't seem to think Castillo will be replaced.

"Juan's done a great job," Chaney said. "When you have the talent we have on defense, (blame) shouldn't be all placed on him. It's got to be placed on the players out there playing the game ... As the season's gone on, he's gotten better at what he does, we've gotten better at what we do. When you keep getting that experience, a hard worker like him ain't going to do nothing but get better."

Defensive end Darryl Tapp said: "I think Juan's doing a good job. I think Juan's getting better each week. For a defensive coordinator, or any coach, I'd imagine, it's tough -- it's real easy to call plays in practice, when there's really not any pressure or anything like that. It's a lot differnt calling those games, in a high-pressure situation. That's something you could see him getting a lot more comfortable with as the season progressed."

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Eagles coach Andy Reid said running back LeSean McCoy (ankle) and corner Asante Samuel (hamstring) would not practice today. Reid said Samuel "will struggle" to play this week in the season finale against the Redskins.

Reid said he'll see how McCoy does during the week, as far as determining whether or how much he plays against Washington. McCoy currently is second in NFL rushing.

The Eagles placed safety Kurt Coleman on IR with a torn bicep. They haven't yet filled his roster spot. Reid said Coleman is conferring with a specialist over whether he needs surgery. Reid said it's about a six-week injury, so it shouldn't be a problem for Coleman in training camp next year.