Nigel Bradham has not been suspended and will play in the Eagles' season opener against Washington on Sunday, according to head coach Doug Pederson.
While Pederson said any discipline levied to Bradham is "an internal issue," he did confirm that Bradham will play Sunday at the Linc.
Bradham, 30, didn't show up for the bus trip to North Jersey for the preseason finale last Wednesday because he was sick, but failed to alert the Eagles. Bradham, on Thursday, admitted he needs to communicate better.
I trust Nigel," Pederson said. "He and I had a great conversation. Quite frankly, it's behind us. I'll just tell you this, we had a, without getting into details because I'm not going to, great conversation on Monday. And he's focused on the Redskins just like I am and we've put it behind us.
Bradham on Thursday said he expected to be disciplined. He said he was dealing with "a little stomach virus" and wasn't thinking about his phone when he should have contacted the Eagles.
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Anyway, this is past the Eagles now and Bradham will play on Sunday. He's an important part of this Eagles defense. He'll be the linebacker that doesn't leave the field. And he'll be ready to play on Sunday after rehabbing from a foot surgery this offseason. That's huge for the Eagles.
Instances like this one with Bradham - or really any off-the-field thing - happen way more often than they're reported. This Bradham news came from the Philadelphia Inquirer, which is why we're all talking about it.
Over his years as the Eagles' head coach, Pederson has shown an ability to manage and massage situations like these. It goes back to that "emotional intelligence" we've all heard so much about.
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