Training camp kicks off today with rookies and selected veterans. At 5pm Andy Reid is scheduled to hold a press conference and is expected to comment on the health and status of Brian Westbrook. I don’t have to tell you that if the Eagles hope to have any success this season they are going to need Westbrook healthy.
McCoy and Booker will be a focus of this training camp as Westbrook is expected to miss training camp and preseason while recovering from surgery. This to me is a blessing in disguise.
I don’t feel Westbrook is the type of player that really needs to participate in practice. With the injuries he has sustained and played through, it has been almost common to see Westbrook sit out practices during the season and still perform well in the game. The increased reps for both McCoy and Booker should help them get in sinc, McCoy being the rookie, this should help to fast-track his progress.
Booker to me is an interesting case. Watching last year, it is hard to explain to those only exposed to his play as an Eagle that this guy has talent. The knock it seems against Booker is as soon as contact is made he drops.
Booker might not of showcased many skills last year but I expect him to compete hard in training camp. Preseason may show a different Booker than we saw last season. Below are some videos from his college career.
Dan Bandekow is a writer on Bleacher Report covering the Philadelphia Eagles. His work has been featured on NFL Sport Channel, BallHype.com, League.com, as well as many other news outlets.