Eagles training camp 2013: What they're saying, lots of Eagles-Pats practice notes

by Jimmy Kempski

Published Aug. 7, 2013, 7:57 a.m. ET

First, Jeffrey Lurie's statement on Riley Cooper:

"I want to make this clear; the words Riley Cooper used were totally unacceptable. His words may have been directed at one person but they hurt everyone. Riley has apologized to the team and community and has made a personal commitment to work hard to try and gain their trust and earn his position on the team."

Here's what they're saying about the Eagles this morning:

"I told them, 'I don't want you to forgive me because that puts the burden on you,'" Cooper said. I want it all on me. I told them that and I told them I apologize. They could tell it's from the heart. They know I'm not that type of person. It feels good to have support from the guys."

Sheil spoke with Jason Avant, DeSean Jackson, Patrick Chung, DeMeco Ryans, and Brent Celek.

So why was Cooper back only four days later? Now that the team's practice for the day has ended, quotes will emerge from Cooper, coach Chip Kelly, and others. Regardless of what anyone says, the truth could be (and likely is) that Kelly quickly realized that the team needs Cooper from a football standpoint.

Jimmy note: Cooper was never suspended, as Chip Kelly noted after practice:

"It was an excused absence. So it wasn't letting him come back or not come back, because he wasn't suspended. We gave him time to seek outside assistance, and when he had the opportunity to go get that done, and he called and was coming back this morning, and I met with him and he came back."

Arrelious Benn went down at one point during practice today. He got up, limped off, and I can't recall seeing him for the rest of practice. It turns out Benn tore his left ACL. If that is indeed the play on which he got injured, it is the 3rd ACL that has occurred on the middle field at the NovaCare complex.

Brent takes a lot at Vegas win total projections versus Football Outsiders win total projections. Interesting stuff. By Brent's logic, the Eagles are slightly underrated.

DeSean burned the Patriots secondary a few times today. When he's going deep, he's been uncoverable.

With all due respect to the Eagles' quarterbacks, it looked at times today like Brady was playing a different sport.

Jackson, meanwhile, continues to have the strongest camp of any Eagles player. He catches pretty much everything thrown in his direction and there hasn't been a defensive back – Eagle or Patriot -- that's been able to run with him. If he stays healthy – a sizeable if – he should be the Eagles leader in receiving yards this year.

Tommy takes some of the notes in the links above and adds some thoughts of his own.

Click here for complete coverage of Philadelphia Eagles training camp.