Injured Players Return For Eagles Practice
By Ed Benkin
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - As the Eagles worked out at Lincoln Financial Field Sunday, several key players returned from nagging injuries.
LeSean McCoy, Jason Peters, and Cary Williams were at practice after missing time this past week. All three had been taking a cautious approach and Chip Kelly has decided to let the trainers handle their recovery.
"I think one of the smart things as a coach is to let the experts handle it," said Kelly. "I don't have the background they have. I think our guys have done a good job."
Williams spoke after practice about the struggles of the defense in Friday's preseason opener. Williams believes the Eagles do not have the same reputation on defense as they did in year's past.
"I don't know if there's anybody out there that fears this defense," Williams said. "I think we have to come together and find a way to get back to those old days when Brian Dawkins was here, and strike that fear in individuals or teams."
Williams also talked about why he fought with one of the Patriots in a practice early last week. Williams said it was hard not to retaliate, but Kelly wants his players to show restraint.
"We can get in a street fight but that's not going to help us," said Kelly. "There is a certain way you're supposed to play this game and it's between the whistles. The stuff after the whistles is not what you're looking for. One of the reasons we wanted to participate against the Patriots is we knew this wasn't going to turn into a WWE brawl because that's not what it is. It's a game of football."
Meanwhile, McCoy says he will be ready to go for the season opener after battling a nagging injury. McCoy also said he will get plenty of work in before the preseason ends.
"I'm used to the contact part," McCoy said. "That's the biggest thing with the preseason is getting the timing down. We have three more games left, so I have enough time to get myself ready to go."
The Eagles return to Novacare to practice for the next two days.
