Eagles Notes | McCoy works to recover lost stature

BETHLEHEM, Pa. -

Jim Johnson

was asked about his linebackers yesterday, and what he didn't say might have been just as revealing as what he did.

The Eagles' defensive coordinator said he liked what he had seen so far from newcomer Takeo Spikes at weakside linebacker. He said that veteran middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter was doing a good job, and that Chris Gocong, the projected starter at strong-side linebacker, was getting better. Johnson said Omar Gaither was learning how to play middle linebacker and there were "some young guys still learning."

Johnson made no mention of Matt McCoy. That was an interesting omission considering that a year ago at this time, McCoy was lining up as the starting weakside linebacker. Now, he's just trying to get back on the radar screen.

McCoy, a second-round draft choice in 2005, had a big hit during practice Monday morning, nailing rookie running back Tony Hunt for a loss on a blitz. It was a not-so-subtle reminder that McCoy was still here, even if he wasn't playing a prominent role anymore.

"I'm trying to get a roster spot just like everybody else," McCoy said. "I got hurt last year, and when that happens, people move on. My job is to come back and be on top of my game."

McCoy started 10 of the Eagles' first 11 games at weakside linebacker and felt he was doing a good job until a series of nagging injuries started piling up. The most nagging among them was nerve damage on the left side of his neck.

"I kept getting stingers that ran all the way down my arm," McCoy said. "I think I got like 30 or 40 stingers throughout the year. You can't really move and you have no strength. I think that contributed to some missed tackles. I missed a few key tackles because it was hard getting off blocks. I just wasn't myself.

"It's disappointing because I was playing well. I thought I was playing at a high level up until the ninth game, and then when I got hurt, every one just thought I was terrible. . . . But it's the NFL - what have you done for me lately? It's something I have to learn from and just move on."

Johnson, when asked specifically about McCoy, said he wanted to see more plays from the weakside linebacker.

"He seems like he's healthy again," Johnson said. "The thing about Matt is he just needs to make more plays around the ball. He's had a good camp and he's shown that he is physical."

For now, though, McCoy is going to have to make his mark on special teams, which is fine with him.

Safety

Brian Dawkins

made his way onto the field yesterday, but only after practice was over. Dawkins, bothered by Achilles tendinitis since the Eagles' first workout in pads a week ago today, came out only to pay tribute to the members of the U.S. military who were invited to yesterday's practice.

Elsewhere on the injury front, running back Correll Buckhalter was held out of contact drills for a third straight day because of a sore knee, and offensive guard Shawn Andrews remained sidelined by an ankle sprain.

Defensive tackle Montae Reagor, who has been nursing a sore knee since the Eagles started hitting a week ago, said he was hoping to be part of the contact scrimmages for the first time this morning. Reagor participated in the non-contact scrimmage yesterday afternoon.

"I'm just looking forward to it," Reagor said, adding that it was a blessing to be alive after being involved in last year's serious car accident while with the Indianapolis Colts.

Reagor said the knee soreness was unrelated to the injuries he suffered in the accident.

"I was a little ticked off this happened, because they brought me in to play and that's what I'm here to do," Reagor said. "But you can only do what your body lets you, and I'm gradually improving."

Attendance for yesterday's workouts was 10,216, including the more than 300 members of the military who huddled at midfield with the players following the morning workout. The crowd chanted, "U.S.A., U.S.A.," as the military men and women circled the practice field.

- Bob Brookover