by Jordan Raanan of www.eaglesville.com
7/28/2008 AM Practice
Brian Westbrook addressed his contract situation once again Monday morning and explained he wants more money. No surprise there. The All-Pro running back also failed to commit to play in the Eagles’ first preseason game August 8 in Pittsburgh, which is a bit more eye opening.
“I haven’t thought about that too much,” Westbrook said. “It’s one of those things where I have yet to cross that bridge.”
Westbrook has failed to cross many bridges. That was his answer to many of the questions. But he did explain he wasn’t so much looking for an extension and that his new agent, Todd France, and the Eagles are attempting to find a number that is possible under the current rules (the current collective bargaining agreement limits the amount Westbrook’s base salary is allowed to increase with a contract extension) and satisfies both sides.
Where are the rookies?
The Eagles’ first three picks in this year’s draft — Trevor Laws, DeSean Jackson and Bryan Smith — were working out together on the field Monday morning. Asante Samuel was also part of the brigade on the side field at Lehigh University. They weren’t working in live drills or doing any running because of injuries, with Jackson the latest casualty due to a minor hamstring problem.
“I didn’t pull it, just tweaked it,” Jackson said. “If not tomorrow, hopefully [I’ll be back at practice] the next day.”
It’s not encouraging considering Jackson missed the team’s final minicamp with a hamstring injury. It’s also not encouraging considering rookies in the Andy Reid era have experienced trouble getting on the field even when they are healthy.
Heated Practice
Once again the actual practice was relegated to an afterthought. Don’t tell that to any of the players on the field though. Monday morning’s workout was by far the most heated of any the Eagles have held this year. There were at least three scrums, including ones that involved usually mild-mannered players like offensive tackle Winston Justice, safety Quintin Mikell and linebacker Chris Gocong.
Head coach Andy Reid even threatened during a non-contact part of practice with a “Do you want to go live?” The players, thirsty for blood, answered with a resounding “yes” and the Eagles started hitting again.
It appears this team might actually have some fight — literally.
