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.
another just plain DUMB decision by unqualified howie roseman. the eagles will never win as long as he is their GM, regardless of whether reid gets the sack this season— oliver north
brandon graham played this year!!!! what did he do the same ghost act as last year and disappear through every game! hey eagles good job in picking this guy up im sure earl thomas isnt a starter anywhere either right????— satcho27- CUT HIM. Another terrific draft pick.— Nezhy
- Asante Samuel said it best earlier this season... "some people in the front office think they're playing fantasy football."— Philly Dom
- What a bunch of mean spirited fans. Graham did not do too bad in his rookie season. Not every draftee gets to be pro bowl good in their first season. The loss of his sophmore season is a sad thing. This guy is young,fast and want to learn and play. Get off his back!— unbelieveable!
- The drafts before Roseman stunk as well. It's not Roseman. It seems like the Eagles are always (for years) trying to outsmart everyone else and take long shots. Either that, or they draft players whom they don't coach properly to fit into their system. The Eagles haven't been enjoyable for years now, sorry.— Yankel
- The answer is simple: clearly defined separation of duties. Banner runs the organization. GM in charge of personnel and hiring a HC. HC hires his own staff. Follow the chain of command. Banner bleeds too much into the GM role, as does Reid. So Banner hires a yes man. Reid does the same. Hence, things never change on this team. Make a few bad decisions, this model compounds those mistakes. And here we are today... — beegal99
- For as much as folks want to rail on Andy Reid (and I think he should go), fans should be beating down the doors of NovaCare in order to remove Howie Roseman from his job. Just God awful! Easy to hit on a fifth or sixth round pick WHEN YOU HAVE ABOUT A DOZEN OF THOSE PICKS, but when it comes to the part of the draft where all the talent it, EPIC FAILURE!!! Please Jeff Lurie, we want Jaws as GM!— beegal99
- CAN'T. PLAY!— 5NOT4
- howie andy and joe the three stooges of the draft...they should be fired for not drafting Pierre-Paul. They are more than incompetent they are useless!— jmb53
- Just wait until we get back Shawn Andrews,Broderick Bunkley, Takeo Spikes, Victor Abiamiri, Brandon Graham,Stewart Bradley,Jerome McDougle boy are we GONNA' BE GOOD!!— Eaglejay
- 24 players drafted by Howie in the 2010 and 2011 drafts and NO impact players.— zeke128
- Pierre-Paul? We should have drafted Earl Thomas. We needed to fill that position more than a DE.— biecomp
- The accounting team of Banner, Roseman and Reid must be tired of running the bases for all of the home runs they've hit in the draft and the "low risk/high reward signings" they've made the last few years. "What's that? You're coming off a serious knee injury? Sign here please." This Gold Standard front office never ceases to amaze the Tonner with how smart they are. All in and pedal to the metal. Making the Patriots look like the tin foil standard. It's a great time to be an Eagles fan. Whether you like it or whether you don't like it, learn to love it because it's the truth according to the Tonner and it's the best thing going today.— hunglikeaton
