Graham might not play again this year
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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.
The Eagles picked Donovan under Andy Reid, and despite all his faults, DMac was the best QB in that draft. Reid also picked Westbrook, Lito Sheppard, Sheldon Brown, LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Shawn Andrews (who was a Pro Bowler before his mental issues), Todd Herremans, Brent Celek, and Trent Cole. Reid has missed on some picks, but every team misses on picks. But if he hadn't picked some great ones along the way, we wouldn't have been a perrenial contender. How soon we forget ...— kingsolomonsmind- Keep Reid - Dump Roseman.— croozn
- ugh— beerflow
- Not only has this guy been an utter dissapointment, but didn't we move up in the draft to get him?— BleedPhilly
Comment removed.- Graham is starting to sound a lot like Shawn Andrews. How long before he starts posting videos on You Tube?— dtrain67
- Not only Pierre Paul, but Mike Iupati, Maurkice Pouncey, Sean Weatherspoon and Earl Thomas, all taken immediately after Graham and all of whom are better players. Only Roseman could have blown that particular spot that badly. He should be fired.— banned
- I really though Weatherspoon was going to be their pick. Difference making LB. — beegal99
- kingsolomon:
You have apparanetly forgotten that nearly all of those picks were made when Modrak and Heckert were still here. Since Howie took over, zilch!— banned - This is just typical of the Andy Reid tenure. Draft "undersized fastballs" that ALMOST NEVER live up to expectations while guys like Thomas, Pierre-Paul and Tuck remain on the board. Hindsight is always easy, however, its the philosophy of Andy to draft guys that are undersized with a "great motor". And here we go again.— iggles07
- Graham and Ibeamary will be considered for the IR Hall of Fame! Howie "the Accountant" and Arrogant Andy can't wait to pick the next smallish, high motor Defensive End that can't stay on the field for more than 2 games a season! The last "impact" player drafted on the Defensive side of the ball for the Birds was Trent Cole (5th round) in 2005. DISGRACEFUL!! Six years of futility drafting Defensive players. Lurie, find a GM that knows something about Football before this Team becomes the laughing stock of the NFL. Oh wait, you're too late for that last part!— younged
- AR's making 5 MIL PER YEAR HAHAHAHAR THATS HOF skills for sure! HE DONT CARE BOUT US!!in FACT HE HATES US & would love to come to Philly TWICE a YeAR FLYING IN FROM DALLAS!!! EVERY TIME HE SNUBS THE ASSS KISSING PRESS IN A POST LOSS INTERVIEW, oR POSTS BAIL FOR the serious mobsters he raised, OR MISUSES HIS TIMEOUTS OR PASSES ON 3 CONSECUTIVE PLAYS FROM THE 2 WHILE SHADY IS ON THE SIDELINES, HE IS JUST LAFFING INSIDE AND DREAMING ABOUT A LIFE AFTER THE NFL CHOMPING ON BURGERS IN HIS LEISURE LUAU CLOTHES!— dheis
- I love the 2006 draft. In order: Broderick Bunkley, Winston Justice, Chris Gocong, MaxJean Gillies.— RAS
- Its scary how bad their drafting has been. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while. Maybe that was Shady.— blaqjaq
- try him at linebacker— NovaNation1024
