LeSean McCoy has been particularly outspoken this offseason. Credit: Getty Images
It seems like the most noticeable themes of this summer’s Eagles training camp are staying loose and downplaying anything which seems troubling in the public eye.
It started with DeSean Jackson. How can you possibly replace the production of the 2014 Pro Bowl receiver? In stepped Jeremy Maclin and Jordan Matthews to silence the doubters in a hurry.
Two fights at training camp in two straight practices? It happens. Emotions run high among athletes sometimes, just move on and forget it even happened.
The latest Eagle at the center of attention? Running back LeSean McCoy. McCoy missed practice Sunday because of a toe injury on his left foot, which he explained Monday required an MRI and X-Ray to make sure it wasn’t anything serious. Chip Kelly took to the podium Tuesday to downplay the 2013 NFL rushing leader’s injury in a comedic way.
“I don’t think he’ll ever play again,” said a smiling Kelly (joking of course). “He’s fine. He practiced full on [Monday]. He’s fine. It’s not as big an issue as I think anyone has made it out to be.”
McCoy who rushed for 1,607 yards and nine touchdowns last season is arguably the Eagles most important player on offense. He’s aiming for 2,000 yards on the ground this season, a feat that’s only been done seven times in NFL history. He knows what’s at stake.
“If it hurts too much, I’ll shut it down,” McCoy said. “I warmed up [Monday] and it felt good. I can feel it still, but I pushed through it. In this league, you have to learn how to play through pain if you can. And if you can, you have to go out there and work hard.”
Kelly has the Eagles drama-free, something that former coach Andy Reid had so much trouble accomplishing during his 14-year tenure with the team. It’s his locker room and the team is ready and willing to listen.
