Birds focusing on back's kneesBy Marc Narducci
Inquirer Staff Writer
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Never have a few 15-yard sprints, in zig-zagging fashion, attracted so much attention.
After the Eagles' first workout for rookies and selected veterans yesterday morning, running back Correll Buckhalter had the undivided attention of coach Andy Reid, general manager Tom Heckert, and trainer Rick Burkholder on an adjacent field at Lehigh University.
Buckhalter was running in 15-yard intervals, going diagonally for 5 yards, then cutting for another 5 and yet another 5.
For a player who has missed the last two years and three of the last four with knee injuries, it represented progress.
Reid has placed Buckhalter on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list, saying he didn't believe the 27-year-old running back was quite ready. If he remains on the list after the Eagles finalize their 53-man roster in September, he would not be able to return until after the ninth week of the season.
Buckhalter has played two seasons and missed three with the Eagles, and they want to give him every opportunity to make the team.
So, while it won't rush Buckhalter, the Eagles brass needs to know whether he can be counted on this season.
Emotion will go only so far in the decision.
For instance, if Buckhalter returns, it could affect the status of Bruce Perry, who is third on the depth chart behind Brian Westbrook and Ryan Moats. Unlike Buckhalter, Perry is considered a valuable kickoff returner.
No one would give a timetable for Buckhalter, but it likely won't be that long. The Eagles have to see whether he can stand up to the rigors of training camp.
"He is ready to go, from a football standpoint," Heckert said after the workout. "Now it's up to the trainers and doctors to see what they say."
After rushing for 586 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie in 2001, Buckhalter missed the 2002 season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
In 2003, Buckhalter rushed for 542 yards and eight touchdowns. The next year, his season ended when he suffered a torn tendon in his right knee during the second preseason game.
Last August, he again tore a tendon in his right knee during practice and his season was over.
"He is very tough and very dedicated," Reid said. "A lot of players would have just quit, and he has kept with it."
Buckhalter is eager to get back but declined to talk about his latest comeback.
"Coach Reid would prefer I don't talk until I get back on the field," Buckhalter said politely, a half hour after his workout. "When I get back on the field, I'll do all the interviews you want."
Inquirer Staff Writer
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Never have a few 15-yard sprints, in zig-zagging fashion, attracted so much attention.
After the Eagles' first workout for rookies and selected veterans yesterday morning, running back Correll Buckhalter had the undivided attention of coach Andy Reid, general manager Tom Heckert, and trainer Rick Burkholder on an adjacent field at Lehigh University.
Buckhalter was running in 15-yard intervals, going diagonally for 5 yards, then cutting for another 5 and yet another 5.
For a player who has missed the last two years and three of the last four with knee injuries, it represented progress.
Reid has placed Buckhalter on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list, saying he didn't believe the 27-year-old running back was quite ready. If he remains on the list after the Eagles finalize their 53-man roster in September, he would not be able to return until after the ninth week of the season.
Buckhalter has played two seasons and missed three with the Eagles, and they want to give him every opportunity to make the team.
So, while it won't rush Buckhalter, the Eagles brass needs to know whether he can be counted on this season.
Emotion will go only so far in the decision.
For instance, if Buckhalter returns, it could affect the status of Bruce Perry, who is third on the depth chart behind Brian Westbrook and Ryan Moats. Unlike Buckhalter, Perry is considered a valuable kickoff returner.
No one would give a timetable for Buckhalter, but it likely won't be that long. The Eagles have to see whether he can stand up to the rigors of training camp.
"He is ready to go, from a football standpoint," Heckert said after the workout. "Now it's up to the trainers and doctors to see what they say."
After rushing for 586 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie in 2001, Buckhalter missed the 2002 season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
In 2003, Buckhalter rushed for 542 yards and eight touchdowns. The next year, his season ended when he suffered a torn tendon in his right knee during the second preseason game.
Last August, he again tore a tendon in his right knee during practice and his season was over.
"He is very tough and very dedicated," Reid said. "A lot of players would have just quit, and he has kept with it."
Buckhalter is eager to get back but declined to talk about his latest comeback.
"Coach Reid would prefer I don't talk until I get back on the field," Buckhalter said politely, a half hour after his workout. "When I get back on the field, I'll do all the interviews you want."
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