Overheard at Camp: Maclin Missing, Vets Recovering

Sights and sounds from the Eagles 2009 Training Camp

The Philadelphia Eagles kicked off the 2009 training camp Sunday, but as always, there were a few faces missing from the crowd at Lehigh University.

Most notable was the absence of the Birds' top draft pick Jeremy Maclin. The rookie, who was selected with the 19th overall pick in the draft, is in negotiations with the team.

No one is sure what's causing the contract holdup, but Eagles head coach Andy Reid would like to see Maclin get to work.

"I felt as we progressed through the mini-camps that Jeremy just was just getting used to this offense and he did go out and work out with Donovan in Arizona, however, I still think he needs work...extra work from the team perspective," Reid said.

While the team works to bring in the new blood, Reid gave an update on an old star – Brian Westbrook. No. 36 is recovering well from ankle surgery and should return to the team by mid-August.

Defensive end Victor Abiamiri is also expected to return to the team in the middle of the month. He was to "compete with Juqua Parker at left defensive end," but was sidelined by an injured pectoral muscle, according to The 700 Level.

Guard Stacy Andrews will work through the pain as he continues to heal a torn ACL. Andrews made the trek to Bethlehem Sunday afternoon and told the Inquirer's Bird's Eye View he "should be ready to go tomorrow" although his knee is not 100 percent.

As for Big Andy, he dodged questions about his own contract talks and dedication to coaching during the official first press conference of the two-week camp. The coach told reporters he's "focused on tomorrow," according to The 700 Level.

Contact Us