Hunt, Klecko Shuffled
Officially, Brian Westbrook is "day to day" with broken ribs, but in the meantime, fullback Tony Hunt apparently will play running back this week and Dan Klecko's goalline fullbacking role will be expanded.
Hunt, Klecko Shuffled
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
Brian Westbrook isn't practicing today, as the Eagles begin preparing for this Sunday's visit to San Francisco, and there are indications the Birds understand their franchise running back almost certainly won't be able to play effectively this week.
Fullback Tony Hunt said he has been told he will take his practice reps at running back, where he played before being switched near the end of training camp. Defensive tackle Dan Klecko, signed last spring with the idea he would be a fullback, has been reissued his old No. 49 jersey and apparently will play an expanded role at fullback while still participating in the defensive tackle rotation. Defensive end Victor Abiamiri, out since early in training camp following wrist surgery, was to participate in his first full practice today, and Abiamiri said he had been told he would work some inside at defensive tackle -- something he assumes reflects Klecko's decreased availability on defense. It isn't clear that Abiamiri will be ready to play by this weekend.
It is clear the Eagles have a lot of work to do to turn around their 2-3 season. Quarterback Donovan McNabb called a players' meeting Monday, in addition to the regularly scheduled session presided over by the coaches. McNabb and other players said he was critical of his own play and he emphasized that, as McNabb told reporters Wednesday, "everyone has to understand the situation we're in."
McNabb again expressed his frustration with losses the last two weeks, to Chicago and Washington teams he felt the Eagles should have beaten.
"I hate losing," McNabb said. "I especially hate losing in that fashion."
In other injury news, Andy Reid said right guard Shawn Andrews's back spasms have not improved significantly. Andrews did not practice today. Defensive end Juqua Parker is day-to-day with knee swelling, Reid said, and safety J.R. Reed did not practice because of hamstring and ankle problems.
Update: Wideout Reggie Brown left practice with a groin injury. No further information was forthcoming.
Oh my lord this is
I have a great idea...how about someone besides Andy running the show?...he has been telling us for years we have good WR...look what #10 did for the return game and for how many years has that been missing?...unlike many I am not a Reid basher...but this team is NOT a super bowl team...there are 3 teams in the division that are clearly better, a lot better!...I like Don but it might be time to trade him while he still has value and start a rebuild mode...8-8 does not get it done and face facts we are at best an 8-8 team!— PHILLYMARK- yes andy if you're going to "take full responsibility" then DO IT. you are such a puss, and a liar. you take NO responsibility, NONE AT ALL. now let's see if anyone disagrees with that. where's the media?— riedmustgo
- Nice to see McNabb has taken on a leadership role this year. It doesnt seem like anyone has stepped up in that locker room in years. What isnt so nice is having a coach who didnt learn his lesson by being unprepared at a position entering a season (KR/PR last year) and letting the same thing happen this year, albeit in a different spot. It was shortsighted to have Hunt at FB anyway. This is getting ridiculous.— BTH
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- Good to hear Tony Hunt will go back to RB. If given the chance he will show that he has the talent to be very, very good. Also, the team doesn't need a fullback if they don't start running the ball!— psuwelsh
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- And how about a big play WR in addition to a real fullback. Oh yeah how about a real tight end (preferably one who knows left from right) and maybe a place kicker too? Is that too much to ask?? And maybe, just maybe, a real NFL coach. Mr Lurie, if you love this town, if you have any regard for the fans who have increased your wealth beyond any reasonable expectation, please, please! get us a real team.— Oda
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- Think positive, this is a squad designed to sell hot dogs and beer at the Linc, sell alot of jerseys and fill seats. There is no championship during the reid era now that #5 is older and cannot miracle the team any further on any Sunday they play. No heriocs by #5, and Andy lloks dumb on "o"— starbird
- In the 70's (I think) there was an Eagle defensive tackle Bill "Popeye" Dunston. The guy must have weighed 220 lbs. He looked like a kid playing in the NFL. I got the same nauseating feeling watching Klecko play on the D line last Sunday. Reid made colossal mistakes in signing fullbacks this year. All those guys and not one can play? Hey Andy, how about trying Greg Lewis on the D line too? Might as well give all of your stiff buddies a chance. Dope.— Bob1
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