Eagles Notes: Kolb, Bradley fail concussion tests

Eagles coach Andy Reid said that linebacker Stewart Bradley was ahead of quarterback Kevin Kolb in their recoveries from the concussions they suffered Sunday.

Both players failed the second phase of their testing Wednesday and have yet to be cleared to return to either practice or team meetings. Bradley and Kolb did do some light conditioning at the NovaCare Complex, however.

Reid hasn't ruled either player out for Sunday's game at Detroit, although neither is expected to practice at least until Friday.

Michael Vick, of course, will replace Kolb if he can't go. Reid said that Omar Gaither will start at middle linebacker if Bradley is ruled out. Gaither has 34 career starts, with 19 coming in the middle.

He jumped in last season after Bradley suffered a season-ending knee injury during training camp. But Gaither also was lost for the season when he suffered a Lisfranc sprain of his foot last October.

"It hasn't even been a year yet," Gaither said. "So, speaking with the doctors, they said it takes about a year before you're back 100 percent. I'm still in the high 90s right now."

Reid said that if Kolb can't go, only two quarterbacks will dress: Vick and rookie Mike Kafka.

DeSean talking. For someone who has failed to gain more than 36 yards receiving in each of his last three games - dating back to last season - DeSean Jackson was a chipper wide receiver.

The Eagles star, who managed a total of 10 catches for 129 yards in last week's season opener and two season-ending losses to Dallas a year ago, spent most of training camp and the preseason turning away reporters with interview requests.

But Jackson stood in front of his locker at the NovaCare Complex for about 10 minutes Wednesday and amiably answered a variety of questions.

The primary topic was how, after almost two full seasons of escalating success, Jackson is realizing what it's like to be the focal point for opposing defenses.

"I think it comes with making all the big plays and scoring all these touchdowns," said Jackson, who tied an NFL record last season with eight touchdowns of 50 yards or longer. "It brings a lot of attention on yourself."

Jackson had four catches for 30 yards - all in the second half - in the Eagles' 27-20 loss to Green Bay on Sunday. Jackson had just four catches for 33 yards and a score in the regular-season finale a year ago, and two catches for 36 yards a week later in the playoff loss.

He said the extra attention was something Jerry Rice prepared him for when the Hall of Fame receiver trained with Jackson before the NFL combine two years ago.

"He said, 'You can be so good, but then there's another part to being good. It's the great part when you go out there and everybody knows who you are and they start game-planning on you and they put two or three people on you,' " Jackson recalled.

Jackson said he felt confident that Reid and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg would find ways to get him more involved in the offense.

"I just have to try and do something within 10 yards," Jackson said. "There's not always bright lights. Sometimes you have to go through dark tunnels to be able to get to the success."

Made aware that it was the longest Q&A he's given in some time, Jackson joked, "I know, get out of my face."

He then laughed and turned away.

Owen Schmitt was contacted Sunday evening by the Eagles after fullback Leonard Weaver tore ligaments in his knee and a few hours later was on a red-eye to Philadelphia.

Schmitt, who was released by the Seahawks this month after two seasons in Seattle, worked out for the Eagles on Monday and was signed later in the day. Reid said that he expected the 25-year-old to grasp his system since Seattle uses a similar West Coast offense. Reid also added that running back Mike Bell could play some fullback.

"Physically, I'm ready, as far as being in shape," Schmitt said. "Mentally . . . they're not throwing everything at me."

It's been a whirlwind three days for Schmitt, who pointed to an overfilled backpack in his locker as the only belongings he brought with him.

"It's a good thing I packed four pairs of underwear," he said.

The Eagles will vote for a new union representative Thursday. Safety Quintin Mikell has decided to relinquish his post. He said that tackle Winston Justice and Bradley have expressed interest in succeeding him. . . . Center Mike McGlynn caught a deflected pass Sunday for a one-yard gain. His friends have been calling it "The Reception," McGlynn said. "Not the Immaculate Reception."