NEVER TAKES A DAY OFF
Because of breaking news on Brian Westbrook and Donovan McNabb, a story on several injured Eagles and their rehab from off-season surgery had to be cut from this morning's paper. Here it is now:
For Stacy Andrews, it’s one day at a time.
Yesterday was a good day for the Eagles guard -- the day before, not so much.
But Andrews is confident his surgically-repaired right knee will be healthy enough that he can go full speed once the Eagles commence training camp in late July.
“Yesterday I was thinking about [the knee] a lot when I was out there,” Andrews said. “But today I felt a whole lot better. As the days go on it’s going to get better for me -- my mind – not to think about my knee. When I was out there today I wasn’t even thinking about it. I was just going.”
The 6-foot-7, 342-pound Andrews participated in some individual drills, but was kept out of most “install” workouts and all of the team workouts. He was fitted for a knee brace on Tuesday, and said once he gets the brace, he’ll be able to partake in installs.
“I won’t be 100 percent,” Andrews said. “I won’t be out there pushing and pulling and going against the defense.”
Andrews is just one of several players being eased into practice after off-season surgery. After two days of organized team activities, wide receiver Kevin Curtis (hernia), guard Todd Herremans (knee) and guard Max Jean-Gilles (ankle) have not reported any setbacks.
Curtis said that his groin withstood the first two days of the eight-day minicamp – albeit with his limited participation. The seven-year wideout underwent sports hernia surgery in April and skipped post-draft minicamp.
“This was the next step,” Curtis said. “I’m very confident, especially come training camp, this will be behind me.”
Herremans, returning from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, was more involved in practice than his guard teammates, Andrews and Jean-Gilles. He said he’s pushing himself slowly, but “if the season started tomorrow, I’d be ready,” he added.
The training staff has held back Jean-Gilles, who broke the fibula in his right leg in November, even though the 6-3, 358-pound guard said his rehabilitation is ahead of schedule.
“I’m actually running now,” said Jean-Gilles, who hopes to be ready for training camp. “For a man my size, with my injury, I’m actually running full speed. That’s pretty good.”
Jean-Gilles started ten games at right guard last season when Shawn Andrews was lost for the season with back woes. But Stacy Andrews will likely fill that role this fall as younger brother, Shawn, moves to right tackle.
“He’s out there doing great,” Stacy said of Shawn. “So I’ll be the man to step in there and take care of guard. And I have no problem with it.”
Nick Cole has been filling in at right guard during 11 on 11 drills. Jamal Jackson is at center, Herremans at left guard and the newly acquired Jason Peters at left tackle. Even though he’s yet to line up next to his brother on the first team, Stacy Andrews anticipates the moment.
“It’s going to be fun,” Stacy said. “I know we joke a lot, but when we get on the field it’s going to be all business. We got to take care of our job.”
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Check back the rest of the day for updates on Westbrook's injury, McNabb's contract situation and any breaking news out of minicamp.
