http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/ne...7-1404329.html
PHILADELPHIA — After L.J. Smith sat and watched virtually all of practice yesterday, a reporter who apparently wasn't paying attention asked Smith if he was encouraged by his progress.
“I may get on the plane,” a dejected Smith said.
By the time Smith was finished talking, even the most inattentive writer could tell how discouraged he was.
Smith, now almost a month removed suffering a groin injury at training camp, did not sound optimistic yesterday about his chances of playing against the Packers in the Eagles' season opener in Green Bay tomorrow.
Although the Eagles list Smith as probable, which means they believe he has a 75 percent chance of playing, Smith didn't take a single practice rep during team drills yesterday. He spent the 80-minute practice stretching off to the side, jogging over only to participate in a few individual drills with quarterback Donovan McNabb.
“If I can do something, I'll do it,” the fifth-year tight end said. “If I'm limited, I'm just not going to do it. If I can't be effective, what's the point in being out there?”
Smith has 172 catches for 1,991 yards and 14 touchdowns in four seasons since the Eagles picked him in the second round of the 2003 draft.
The injury dates back to May, when Smith underwent sports hernia surgery. On Aug. 8, just a few days into practice at Lehigh, he crumpled to the ground with a groin injury in the same area that head coach Andy Reid has insisted is unrelated to the sports hernia.
Smith returned to practice on Aug. 20 and seemed very happy with where he was after his first day back.
“I feel good,” he said that day. “I'm definitely encouraged.”
But in the 2 1/2 weeks since, Smith has regressed. He seemed on target all along for the season opener despite missing all four preseason games. But now, it looks like he'll be only a shadow of his normal self even if he does play.
“I'm trying to stay positive through this whole thing,” Smith said. “I'm doing everything the trainers are telling me (but) your body is going to tell you when it's ready.
LJ Smith doubts he’ll be ready for opener
LJ Smith doubts he’ll be ready for opener
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