Eagles Notes: Reid says Bradley unlikely vs. Packers
Stewart Bradley looks unlikely to play against the Packers on Sunday after all. It would be a "stretch" for the middle linebacker to be ready for the playoff opener, head coach Andy Reid said Monday, contradicting Bradley's self-assessment after the game against the Cowboys.
Stewart Bradley
looks unlikely to play against the Packers on Sunday after all. It would be a "stretch" for the middle linebacker to be ready for the playoff opener, head coach
Andy Reid
said Monday, contradicting Bradley's self-assessment after the game against the Cowboys.
"If he had to play today he wouldn't be able to play," Reid said.
Bradley dislocated his left elbow Dec. 12 against the Cowboys and has not played since.
"He hasn't been able to do anything where he applies pressure," to his injured elbow, Reid said. "In other words, where you have to jam and do those types of things."
Rookie Jamar Chaney has started in Bradley's place and performed well, though he is still inexperienced, with only two starts. If he starts against the Packers, he would have to make defensive calls against an explosive offense. Bradley, who has far more experience, would play if healthy, Reid said.
"Chaney's doing well, yes," Reid said. "On the other hand, I would tell you that if [Bradley is] ready to play, he'll play. He's just not ready now."
On Sunday, Bradley said he was "confident" he'd be ready for the Packers.
It's a "possibility" that both Bradley and Chaney will play against Packers if Bradley is healthy, Reid said. That might leave Chaney at middle linebacker and the larger Bradley at strong-side linebacker. Chaney could also move to another linebacker spot, or they might rotate in various packages; the Eagles have often mixed up their linebacking lineup, including inserting Akeem Jordan on nickel downs against the Vikings.
In a playoff game, though, it would seem risky to put Bradley or Chaney at a position they have not played all season.
Max question
Guard
Max Jean-Gilles,
the only starting offensive lineman who played against Dallas, and the only Eagle who got hurt, has an ankle sprain and his status for Sunday is murky.
Jean-Gilles could not have practiced Monday if the team had to work then, Reid said.
"There's a chance he makes it by Wednesday," when practice resumes, Reid said.
Jean-Gilles is one of four Eagles guards and had to play Sunday because another, Nick Cole, started at center. Jean-Gilles and Reggie Wells played guard while Todd Herremans had the night off.
"If I had another person for Max I wouldn't have had him in there either," Reid said.
If Jean-Gilles can't play this week, Cole would likely fill in. He has played in 12 games this year, with six starts, but has battled knee soreness since training camp. He lost battles for jobs at center and guard.
Reid said Cole doesn't have the knee swelling that bothered him earlier in the year.
"We have trust in Nick, obviously, as a starting-caliber guard," Reid said.
Extra Points
The Eagles' 2011 schedule will include home games against the 49ers, Seahawks, Patriots, Jets, and Bears; and road trips to face the Cardinals, Rams, Bills, Dolphins, and Falcons, along with games against the NFC East's Cowboys, Giants, and Redskins. . . . If the Eagles win Sunday, their divisional playoff game will be at Chicago on Sunday, Jan. 16 at 1 p.m. The NFC championship game is Jan. 23 at 3 p.m. The Eagles could host that game if they were to face the Saints or Seahawks. . . . The Eagles re-signed safety
Jamar Wall
to the practice squad. He was released from the active roster Friday.
Eagles Notes:
Vick has Packers to thank.
E2.
Reid says Bradley unlikely to play. E3.
Who will play right cornerback? E3.
Woodson leads Packers defense. E4.