McGlynn Making Best Of Injury Situation
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – In football, injuries beget opportunity. Plenty of bodies drop, allowing for plenty of tryouts in their absence.
Mike McGlynn is currently reaping the odd reward of having hobbled teammates. With Jamaal Jackson (knee) out for the foreseeable future and Nick Cole (knee) unable to suit up over the last few practices, McGlynn has been getting the starting snaps at center – and thriving.
By coincidence or not, Monday and Tuesday were the best two days to date for the first team at training camp, and both came with the 6-foot-4, 315-pound Pitt product manning the middle.
“It starts right there. It starts at center,” coach Andy Reid said of his third-year lineman. “We’re doing a lot of blitz drills here, and that center has got to be able to be the transmitter between the left and right side and, in particular in those drills, with his calls. That’s where he’s getting better.
“I think physically he’s fine. I just think he’s got to see all those different looks and [defensive coordinator Sean McDermott] is throwing a bunch of different looks at him. He handled it better and took a step forward.”
Marty Mornhinweg was asked if he would feel confident with McGlynn as his starting center.
“I have great confidence in Mike McGlynn, no doubt about it,” said Morningweg. “And other players do as well.”
Runing backs, injuries
Running back J.J. Arrington is on the other side of the injury fence. He’s trying not to let a strained foot keep him from making the Eagles’ roster but was forced off the field again Tuesday, this time after just three reps.
Fighting for a spot in a crowded backfield, Arrington already had the challenge of coming back from microfracture surgery that sidelined him for all of last season.
The Eagles are likely to carry four backs. LeSean McCoy, Leonard Weaver and Mike Bell would seem to be locks to make the team, with Eldra Buckley, Arrington, Charles Scott and Martell Mallett battling for the other available spot.
Bell, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury, made it the furthest through practice he has in days. Wide receiver Kelley Washington left because of cramping.
David Akers was not at practice for the second straight day due to a heel contusion.
Tight end Cornelius Ingram (knee) was practicing, but Cole (knee) and Hank Baskett (MCL sprain) were not. Ellis Hobbs was a late arrival.
Wow stat of camp so far
Mornhinweg was asked about the sure-handed Jason Avant and the exceptional camp he is putting on. Praise was expected, but this stat out of the offensive coordinator was stunning. In competitive drills, Avant has caught more than 80 balls…and has not dropped a single pass.
“I’m not sure I’ve ever had a receiver have this type of camp as far as catching the ball,” said Morningweg.
Ahhh, Philly fans
Facing heavy pressure, Kevin Kolb was forced to throw the ball out of bounds. It flew in the direction of an Eagles employee, who was unable to haul the pass in. The crowd, as you may expect, serenaded him with a chorus of boos.
Play of the Day
Goes to the defense Tuesday and rookie Brandon Graham. On an attempted Kolb screen pass, Graham read the play, got a hand on the ball, and then hauled it in. He returned it to the end zone, and then kept going…and going…and nearly ended up back in the nearby training facility.
He and Daniel Te’o-Nesheim are both working with the first unit in nickel packages.
Contact Tim McManus at tmcmanus@phillysportsdaily.com.
Comments