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Injured Eagles Bradley, Ingram keeping each other company as season passes them by
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PHILADELPHIA - Stewart Bradley would love to be in the middle of the Eagles' defense against Dallas on Sunday.
He would like nothing more than to deliver hits on Cowboys running back Marion Barber, tight end Jason Witten or anyone else who dares enter his territory.
It is a big game, with first place in the NFC East at stake. And Bradley loves to play in big games.
Instead, he will be on the sideline, offering encouragement and advice to new middle linebacker Will Witherspoon. That has been Bradley's assignment for the entire season, ever since he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a practice at Lincoln Financial Field on Aug. 2.
"It's tough to watch the games," Bradley said. "It's really hard when we're on the road because I don't get to travel with the team. But that's the reality of my situation right now."
He satisfies his competitive fire during the week, when he is going through his rehab. Most of the time, he works out with rookie tight end Cornelius Ingram, who tore the ACL in his left knee in training camp at Lehigh University just two days after Bradley was hurt.
Each morning, while the rest of the team is practicing, Bradley and Ingram challenge each other in the weight room or on the underwater treadmill.
"When I'm working out with Stewart, I know I have to put my hard hat on and be ready to work," Ingram said. "He's one of the most competitive guys I've ever been around. Sometimes the trainers have to calm him down because he's always pushing himself.
"Honestly, I think he could play right now."
Regardless of their progress, Bradley and Ingram are ineligible to play this season. They are among five members of the Eagles' injured reserve list, along with tackle Shawn Andrews (lower back pain), linebacker Omar Gaither (Lis Franc foot sprain) and rookie tackle Fenuki Tupou (strained pectoral muscle).
Andrews is in the midst of a rehab assignment in Marina Del Rey, Calif., under the guidance of specialist Dr. Robert Watkins. The others train at the NovaCare Complex, the Eagles' practice facility.
It is part of a strange dynamic within the team. Bradley, Ingram and the others usually work out early in the morning. They attend position meetings with their teammates but typically do not hang out in the locker room or lounge.
They rely on each other for support and encouragement.
"It's always good to have somebody to go through it with for support," Bradley said. "If you can keep it competitive, then someone's pushing you."
It has been especially helpful for Ingram, the Eagles' fifth-round draft pick from the University of Florida. He tore the same ACL last year, which forced him to miss his senior season with the Gators.
He arrived at Eagles camp hoping to join starting tight end Brent Celek as a contributor to the offense. But those dreams were dashed when he got hurt again.
"Going through this two years in a row has been very tough," Ingram said. "There are times when I get frustrated because being a competitor, I want to play and now I'm on the sidelines for another year.
"I've got to say that this rehab has been better for me because of Stewart. When I was at Florida, I had to do everything by myself. It really helps to have someone supporting you and pushing you every day. It has really brought us closer together as teammates and friends."
Extra points: Coach Andy Reid held running back Brian Westbrook out of practice Friday as a precaution. Westbrook, who missed last Sunday's game against the Giants because of a concussion, is listed as questionable on the injury report but is expected to play against the Cowboys. ... Wide receiver Kevin Curtis (knee surgery) will not play. Defensive end Victor Abiamiri (sprained knee) and linebacker Chris Gocong (strained quadriceps, hamstring) are doubtful. If Gocong does not play, rookie Moise Fokou would start at outside linebacker.
Reid also offered his condolences Friday to the Phillies, who lost the World Series to the New York Yankees in six games.
"I feel bad for those guys," Reid said in quotes provided by the team. "I know (Phillies manager) Charlie (Manuel) and I know how much time and effort went into it.
"I also know this: It is tough, tough to do what he did, to get back there a second time and maintain that team at that level that he did. My hat is off to that guy. He's a heck of a manager and those players are good, tough guys. They're young and they'll be back."
Contact David Weinberg:
609-272-7186
Posted in Sports, Eagles on Saturday, November 7, 2009 12:10 am Updated: 12:51 am.
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