Bell expected to start; Jordan out
Demetress Bell took most of the practice repetitions with the first team this week and is expected to play at left tackle for Sunday's game at the Steelers.
Bell expected to start; Jordan out
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
Demetress Bell took most of the practice repetitions with the first team this week and is expected to play at left tackle for Sunday's game at the Steelers.
Eagles coach Andy Reid did not confirm that Bell would start ahead of King Dunlap, who returned to practice this week. But he did say that Bell took the majority of practice snaps with Dunlap mixing in on occasion. Dunlap (hamstring) was listed as questionable on the injury report.
Linebacker Akeem Jordan (hamstring) has been ruled out and won't play for the second straight week. Jamar Chaney will start in his place again at weak-side linebacker.
Riley Cooper (collarbone) is probable to dress for his first game of the season, but Reid would not say if the receiver would be up. Rookie Damaris Johnson has been the fourth receiver while Cooper has been out. Receiver Mardy Gilyard has helped out on special teams the last few weeks. Cooper was a standout on special teams last season.
Safety Colt Anderson (knee) and defensive tackle Derek Landri (knee) were listed as questionable, but Reid said that he expected both to play.
Guard Danny Watkins sat out for Wednesday's practice with a chest injury, but is probable for the Steelers game. Receiver Jason Avant (wrist), long snapper Jon Dorenbos (ankle), linebacker Mychal Kendricks (calf), Chaney (knee) and Johnson (foot) were also deemed probable for Sunday.
For the Steelers, safety Troy Polomalu (calf), linebacker James Harrison (knee) and running back Rashard Mendenhall (knee) were listed as probable.
The Eagles have certainly mismanaged the expectations regarding the timing of Riley Cooper's return.
The shame of it is that he's not likely to make much difference when he does finally suit up and play.— Mr. Magee
