Graham might not play again this year
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Graham might not play again this year
Jonathan Tamari
Brandon Graham, last year's number one pick, indicated Wednesday that coaches might hold him out of the Eagles' remaining games as he comes back from microfracture surgery last December.
"I figure, it’s three games, four games left, they want me for the long haul, so it’s probably like – next year," Graham said. He has been on the 53-man roster since week 9, but has only played in two games -- Nov. 7 and 13. He has practiced but hasn't played a snap since then (he was inactive three times and dressed but didn't get on the field against Seattle).
It's worth noting that Graham doesn't necessarily know what his coaches have planned and the Eagles have not officially ruled him out. Graham thought he was going to play Sunday and was told before warm ups that he would be inactive. Coach Andy Reid said Wednesday that Graham looked better last week than the week before -- though his decision on the player didn't reflect that. Graham was inactive against the Dolphins. The week before he at least dressed, even though he didn't play.
Graham said he feels healthy and that he could play, but that coaches probably don't want to risk further injury, especially with the way Steve Smith's season suddenly ended. The receiver was also coming back from microfracture surgery.
"I'm disappointed, but at the same time, I'm not really worried about it because I understand what they’re trying to do," Graham said.
He is well aware, though, of how his injury looks to fans who are already worried that last year's top pick may have been a mistake, especially when they see defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul tear up offenses for the Giants. Pierre-Paul was drafted two slots after Graham.
"That boy been balling," he said. "I can’t say nothing, other than control what I can and that’s get better and live up to my expectations."
Graham knows Pierre-Paul's numbers: 12.5 sacks, a big blocked field goal last week.
"It’s tough for me going through it because I’ve got to live with it," Graham said, referring to the expectations and comparisons. At times, he doesn't even want to go out because he knows the questions he will face from fans.
Graham had three sacks as a rookie, but his second season was effectively lost when he tore his ACL Dec. 12, 2010. Most players need a year to come back from microfracture surgery. Smith was also a shell of his old self this year.
Graham said he will continue to practice and hopes to play, but isn't sure if he will get another chance this year.
"If I make it to the playoffs, I’m sure I’ll play then, but right now, I just see that they’ll probably say that there’s not a point even for him to get out there," he said.
The Eagles may need an additional defensive end this week because Darryl Tapp is dealing with a broken rib and coach Andy Reid said he might not be able to play. If Graham sits again, Juqua Parker would be in line to take Tapp's place, assuming Phillip Hunt remains part of the rotation as well.
Other injuries:
-- Michael Vick (ribs) was sore from the game Sunday and coach Andy Reid did not say for sure that the quarterback would practice. "We'll see," he said, but indicated that he's confident Vick will be able to play Sunday.
-- Todd Herremans (ankle), Jeremy Maclin (hamstring) and Cullen Jenkins (groin) are other injuries to watch. They participated in the morning walk through but Reid again said "we'll see" whether they all practice today. Maclin could not finish the game Sunday, though Herremans and Jenkins did not miss any time.
I'm sooo glad we have Andy and Howie drafting for us. They are as funny as Chris Farley and David Spade in Tommy Boy. Their picks make me laugh so much.
Playoffs!?! Don't talk about the playoffs. Playoffs!?!- I'm sure the Arena League is just waitng for him to be cut.— jimmymack
- I guess ALL the good picks are forgotten? Maclin? McCoy? Westbrook? Cole? DJax?— penncrow19
- WOW!! 4 good picks in 13 YEARS! other than Cole, name me one other great pick from Andy on Defense...There is none! We could of had Nicks instead of Maclin, which I think is way better. Djax is one dimensional as we all see this year. So I'll only give him McCoy. The only true "Great" pick in 13 years. You have to be kidding me. No depth at all because he can't draft. Plain and simple — kchaz
- Ok two. forgot about westbrook! 2 in 13 years!! — kchaz
- LOL!! Like I said "great" players..try again. Lito got benched, sheldon got traded for a bag of balls , Simon was average, Lewis average at best and Patterson not great, just average especially for a 1st round pick!. Try harder. — kchaz
- Meanwhile Jason Pierre Paul (picked two spots later) will be going for his 13th sack this week.— With all this talent who needs a real defensive coordinator 2011
- You schmuks want to blame Grahm. Reid is the idiot that picked a 3rd rounder at best as a first rounder.— Justaschmuck
- Jason Pierre-Paul, 6'5"; Justin Tuck 6'5"; Demarcus Ware 6'4" and Brandon Graham 6'2"; Andy loves to draft little guys. Stay away from taller guys because they are tooooo good.— 4thand10
- I know. While the entire NFL universe drafts behemoths, Reid is in love with the smurf world. Is it no wonder THE EAGLES WILL NEVER WIN A SUPER BOWL? — essell
- Hahaha. Hey Kid- They(Reid and this reporter) are being nice to you. They are holding you out because you don't look good enough in practice to play in a real game. Good-luck with your career because the writing on the wall says that you are a career back-up at best.— UncleStosh
- don't knock it.
there's good money to be made as a "career back-up" in the NFL.
— ekw555 - Bottom line is...even if Graham were healthy..how much was he really going to help anyway with Babin and Cole as starting DEs? Babin has 15 sacks and Cole has been our best defensive player for years. Hunt, Parker and Tapp are all quality players too.. No need to point fingers. Graham has had a bad start to his career and hopefully he can recover by next year.— bradco
