Maclin Back At Full Speed
By Ed Benkin
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- There were plenty of positives for the Eagles as they took the field for their mini-camp. The health of Jeremy Maclin was at the top of the list.
After missing all of last season with a knee injury, Maclin continues to look strong throughout the Eagles off-season workouts. Maclin knows the real test will come when he puts the pads on during training camp, but the receiver is happy with his progress at this stage of the off-season.
There's plays where I've had to stretch out and run out and kind of dig a little bit," said Maclin. "I've made those plays when I've kind of had to jump and catch the ball. I think the next step is getting tackled, but I'll be past 12 months (since the injury). It's healed."
With the release of DeSean Jackson, Maclin will be counted on to produce this season. Quarterback Nick Foles believes Maclin is showing no ill-effects from the injury during the off-season workouts.
"He looks great," Foles said. "I can't tell the difference at all. He's a guy that will give it his all every day. Coming out of breaks and going down field, I think he's looked great. Obviously, he's working every day to get better."
Last year was a frustrating one for Maclin as a knee injury in training camp ended his season. He was forced to watch from the sidelines as the Eagles captured the NFC East title. Foles says despite the injury, his teammate continued to stay up to date with Chip Kelly's system.
"He had to do a lot of rehab," said Foles. "He did everything he could to be a great teammate to everybody. That's why he comes back in and doesn't skip a beat. He was there and was ready to go this year."
Maclin's health will be a key factor in the success of the offense this season. Maclin believes fans may see a new and improved version when he takes the field.
"You can tell," Maclin said. "In some ways, I feel faster. You can tell looking on tape. It's just all about getting off the ball and doing stuff in the weight room. I'm going to be on the right side of the ball most of the time. Anytime I'm breaking in, I'm planting off my right leg. I've done that several times and it feels fine."
The minicamp will continue through Thursday.
