Professor

Philadelphia Eagles

As the Eagles approach Monday's preseason opener in Baltimore, they do so with a long list of injuries, the severity of which is not yet known.

The big injury news Thursday involved tight end L.J Smith. Smith re-aggravated his sports hernia injury in a non-contact drill during the morning practice. Smith was taken off the field and will be re-evaluated. As the day ended Thursday, the Eagles provided no further update.

Running back Tony Hunt also left the morning practice due to an ankle sprain that he had carried into the day's practice. He will also be re-evaluated and he did not return for the afternoon practice.

All-Pro guard Shawn Andrews (ankle) missed practice again, but was back in Lehigh after traveling to Philadelphia yesterday to see an ankle specialist. Head coach Andy Reid released a statement regarding Andrew's status after the morning practice.

"He was examined (Wednesday) by our team orthopedist, Dr. Peter DeLuca, and an ankle specialist in Philadelphia," Reid said in the statement. "His right ankle, the same ankle which was surgically repaired during his rookie season, will continue to be monitored and evaluated over the next several days. He will rest it during that time with the use of a walking boot and crutches."

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Manster

Shawn Andrews is the best player of the bunch but if they did loss him it might not all as bad as it would be if they lost Smith. The eagles at least have some depth behind Andrews so while there would be a drop off it would not be as bad as it would be if Smith would to miss some time.

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Professor

They still have that dude they got from the bengals, Schobel and they really like the rookie Celek

here are a couple articles about the EAGLES TE's

Eagles sign two more draft picks | Daily News | 05/30/2007

excerpt:

Celek, 22, led all Big East tight ends with 35 receptions and 481 yards as a senior. He had three touchdowns.

&

Vickers takes a swing at new position (phillyBurbs.com) | Philadelphia Eagles

excerpt:

Lee Vickers, a jack of all trades, is trying to master one position. He played cornerback, quarterback and defensive end in high school and college. The Eagles picked him up last year and threw him at defensive and tight ends, which landed him on the practice squad. This season Vickers, 6-foot-6, 270 lbs, will line up strictly on offense and will compete with backups Matt Schobel and Brent Celek for playing time.

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