Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson makes a catch during Saturday's practice. (Photo: Ryan Messick)
DeSean Jackson is not quite back to full strength after returning from his back injury. The Eagles wide receiver was on the field today in full pads and participated in most of the practice. Jackson at one point returned to the field house briefly and re-emerged, then later appeared to pull himself out of a drill. Jackson spoke briefly with offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg before one one-on-one drills between wide receivers and defensive backs, then did not run any routes during that portion of practice.
Jackson was back in action moments later during 11 on 11 play between the offense and defense. Jackson is still not speaking to the media, but head coach Andy Reid mentioned that his star wideout is not yet at full speed.
“I’m not sure he has the legs back all the way and that he’s completely 100 percent right now, but he wants to be out here and he wants to work through it,” said Reid. “I actually pulled him out a couple of times just to let other guys take plays until he gets back into the swing.”
Philadelphia quarterback Kevin Kolb said having Jackson back on the field makes his life easier, since the defenders give Jackson more cushion in their coverage. “He looked good, you know, I mean we’re taking it slow with him, but oh God, he’s impressive. All of a sudden there’s a little bit wider lanes, a little more cushion on the guy out there. So he’s a quarterback’s friend, for sure.”
Injury Report
Center Nick Cole joins the list of injured Eagles, as the center left practice roughly halfway through with a sore knee. Defensive end Ricky Sapp is dealing with some swelling in his knee. Running back Mike Bell (hamstring) and center A.Q. Shipley (ankle) are progressing and were able to join their teammates for the individual drills and group install portions of practice. Defensive tackle Antonio Dixon (concussion) is improving and Reid hopes to have him back within a couple of days. Jeremy Maclin (knee) and Asante Samuel (hamstring) worked out today and are progressing. Running back J.J. Arrington (foot strain) did not practice. Macho Harris (hamstring) is still out. Guard Todd Herremans (foot), center Jamaal Jackson (knee) and defensive end Victor Abiamiri (pectoral muscle) all remain on the physically unable to perform list. Linebacker Keenan Clayton was again excused for personal reasons, and there is no official timetable on his return.
Training Camp Coverage
Visit InsideTheIggles.com for training camp coverage, including practice recaps and scouting reports from Lehigh Valley. ITI’s Ryan Messick will be reporting from camp again this afternoon (practice begins at 2:45 P.M.) and tomorrow, with live Twitter feeds available during the morning and afternoon practices. Check back often for updates and follow along at www.twitter.com/Ryan_Messick and www.twitter.com/InsideTheIggles.
Original Story:
http://insidetheiggles.com/2010/08/07...
