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DAVID MAIALETTI / Staff Photographer
Dan Klecko (right) was signed as a fullback in the off-season, then was moved to defensive tackle. Yesterday, he was moved back to the offense on a more permanent basis.
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Eagles Notes
Klecko to get more time at fullback
It looks as though Dan Klecko, used as both a defensive tackle and a fullback since he signed with the Eagles as a free agent during the off-season, is going to be employed mostly at fullback.
"Dan Klecko will get a few more reps in there at fullback," Eagles coach Andy Reid said yesterday.
The former Temple star apparently played fullback almost exclusively during yesterday's practice, which was closed to reporters. His number was changed from 68 to a more fullback-like 49.
The move likely was prompted by two factors: Reid isn't happy with Tony Hunt's blocking, and with Brian Westbrook injured, the coach needs Hunt to return to tailback for depth.
Signed as a fullback, Klecko was switched to defensive tackle at the end of the final minicamp. He has been playing defensive tackle in nickel situations and has six tackles, including two sacks. He has been at fullback as a blocker in goal-line situations but has yet to carry the ball. Eagles fullbacks rarely do.
Klecko, who has played for three Super Bowl championship teams, is much more experienced at defensive tackle. He has two career runs as a fullback - both with New England in 2003.
"You've got to do what you've got to do at this time of the year to help the situation," Klecko said. "I'd rather win than worry about myself. It's time to do whatever is necessary. I wouldn't have imagined three or four position changes, but it is what it is. It's fun, and it's better than the alternative, which is having no job. At least they trust me to do some things."
Westbrook still hurting
Westbrook said his fractured ribs hurt only when he sneezes, turns, twists, or makes a sudden move, which would lead one to believe they'd also hurt when he gets tackled.Yet the star running back said yesterday that he would do all he could to get ready to play Sunday against the 49ers in San Francisco.
"I'm just trying to get healthy enough to play and get to the point where the pain is not as strong and try to get out there on the field," said Westbrook, who didn't practice yesterday.
It seems to make sense for Westbrook to sit out the 49ers game, because the Eagles have a bye the next week.
For Westbrook, it seems that this season has yet to get going. He missed the game against Chicago after spraining his right ankle in the second quarter of the Pittsburgh game the week before. For the Eagles' big-play maker, the longest plays so far have been an 18-yard run and an 18-yard reception. He is averaging only 3.6 yards a carry, well below his career average of 4.7.
Westbrook said he was frustrated, but not discouraged.
"I'm going to try to stay positive and try to get this thing done," he said. "It's definitely frustrating. You want to be as healthy as possible and produce for your team. When you're out there and you keep getting injured and nicked up, it's tough to handle that type of thing."
Injury update
Receiver Reggie Brown left practice early yesterday with a groin injury. . . . Defensive end Victor Abiamiri (broken wrist) and receiver Kevin Curtis (hernia) were full participants in practice for the first time since they were sidelined in the preseason. . . . Westbrook, guard Shawn Andrews (back spasms), defensive end Juqua Parker (knee), and safety J.R. Reed (hamstring, ankle) did not practice. - Ray Parrillo
