Eagles Notes: Herremans: 'I'm not a dirty player'
Guard Todd Herremans said the NFL fined him $5,000 Wednesday for his cut block Sunday night on the New York Giants' Chris Canty. But Herremans, responding to critical comments Canty made to the Star-Ledger, said he is not a dirty player.
Guard Todd Herremans said the NFL fined him $5,000 Wednesday for his cut block Sunday night on the New York Giants' Chris Canty. But Herremans, responding to critical comments Canty made to the Star-Ledger, said he is not a dirty player.
"It took me off guard a little bit," Herremans said. "Me and Chris have played against each other for a long time, so I would hope that he knows I'm not a dirty player. But he's entitled to his opinion. I've never played the game of football in my entire life with the intent of hurting anybody. My job, first and foremost, is to protect the quarterback and keep unnecessary hits off him."
Herremans also was called for a clip on Canty, hitting him low from behind. Herremans said he is focused on Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears, but the Eagles and Giants meet again Dec. 19.
Graham in?
Rookie defensive end Brandon Graham expects to be back in the starting lineup Sunday, saying Juqua Parker appears unlikely to play because of his hip-flexor injury.
Coach Andy Reid said Parker would not practice Wednesday, but he did not give a prognosis for this weekend. Parker was used sparingly against the Giants after suffering the hip injury the previous week.
Graham, who normally rotates with Parker, filled in and said he felt more of a rhythm in Sunday's game.
"It's always good to get going. You don't want to keep going back and forth, on and off, not getting the feel of how the game is going or how your tackle is doing," Graham said. "When you're in the game, you try to get that, like when Kobe [Bryant] gets in a rhythm. Once you get in a rhythm, you're good. I've just got to get in a rhythm."
Calvin returning
Jorrick Calvin will handle kickoff returns now that Ellis Hobbs is on the injured reserve list, Reid said. Calvin took on the job earlier this year when Hobbs first was hurt, but the rookie had trouble holding onto the ball and was inactive last week.
"It's just getting back to fundamentals," Calvin said. "I don't think I have to re-prove myself, but I do have to step it up."
Hughes arrives
New Eagles cornerback Brandon Hughes had his first day with the team after being signed off the Giants' practice squad. Reid said Hughes could play as a nickel back or on the outside.
"It's just the nuts and bolts, the little nuances within defenses that you have to learn and then relearn," Hughes said. Playing in the 4-3 with both teams, he said there isn't much to change.