New defensive chief learning ropes

Eagles coach Andy Reid said that one of the most important things about the workouts his team completed yesterday at the NovaCare Complex was getting secondary coach Sean McDermott acquainted with the role of defensive coordinator.

"If that's how it is in the fall, then at least he's had a little bit of exposure to it," Reid said. "If Jim [Johnson] comes back, then I think Sean is even better for it, and the other coaches are, too."

Reid also gave an update on Johnson, the Eagles' longtime defensive coordinator, who has taken a leave of absence while he undergoes treatment for cancer.

"There's not much change from the last time I mentioned it," Reid said. "Some days are good days and some days are not very good days. He is receiving chemotherapy, and it is pretty intense chemotherapy. . . . I have a chance to talk to him about every day, and he's a battler."

Reid said he thought McDermott was ready to handle the coordinator's role.

"Yeah, absolutely," he said. "He had the best in the business teaching him."

Free-agent addition Stacy Andrews spent more time with trainer Rick Burkholder than he did with the Eagles' first-team offense during these camps, but Shawn's older brother should be ready for the start of training camp late next month.

"Stacy Andrews is making progress," Reid said. "He went through all of the individual stuff this week and he's ahead of schedule."

The guard is rehabilitating from January surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

"We're going to keep an eye on him, but I think he'll be ready to go" at training camp, Reid said.

Tight end Cornelius Ingram signed a four-year deal yesterday, leaving running back LeSean McCoy and wide receiver Jeremy Maclin as the Eagles' only unsigned rookies.

The Eagles also cut three undrafted free agents, including former Temple quarterback Adam DiMichele. Running back Walter Mendenhall was also released, and defensive tackle Amon Gordon was waived after suffering a torn Achilles tendon during one of the rookie camps.

Reid said running back Brian Westbrook had begun rehabilitation after undergoing surgery on his right ankle last week. . . . Second-year defensive end Bryan Smith sat out practice with a swollen knee. Wide receiver Kevin Curtis was excused from practice to tend to personal business.