By Zach Berman
The Eagles were able to squeeze a practice in after a night of rain. There was a slight drizzle, but they stayed outside and had their final live periods of training camp.
The live period was a red-zone drill, which was important for Andy Reid. The Eagles practiced around two hours. Here are some observations, notes and tidbits from Friday morning's practice:
Injuries continued when offensive linemen Jon Runyan and Scott Young both left practice early. Runyan has back tightness -- it doesn't appear serious. Young sprained his right knee -- there's no prognosis yet. Reid also announced L.J. Smith's injury is unrelated to the sports hernia surgery from the off-season, but is in the same area. Take from that what you want.
Shawn Andrews, Brian Dawkins, Lito Sheppard and Darren Howard were among the big names that missed practice. All are previously reported injuries.
Donovan McNabb practiced on the wet field, which is a major step for him. If he wasn't wearing a brace and you didn't know about last season, you wouldn't know he was hurt.
The Eagles were playing Victor Abiamiri with the first-team defensive line today. He was playing at left end, which is Jevon Kearse's spot but Kearse was taking some reps off. Abiamiri has had an excellent camp, but it's interesting he was practicing with the first team. They also used him in the "joker role" -- when a defensive lineman plays as a stand-up linebacker -- which is interesting because he's more of a power end.
Max Jean-Gilles and Nick Cole filled in at right guard after Young went down. Cole played guard in college but is a center with the Eagles. Jean-Gilles is a left guard.
Receiver Dereck Faulkner had a standout practice. He was able to use size and hands to make three nice catches, including one in the live red-zone drill. Faulkner likely won't make the roster, although if he can play like this in the preseason he might have a shot with a different team.
Kevin Kolb is slowing down. Andy Reid refused to say he's hitting a wall, although the camp is catching up with him. He doesn't have the same zip on his passes as he did earlier in camp. At the same time, it's difficult to find anyone who isn't fatigued.
Hank Baskett fought Joselio Hanson off of him in press coverage. Baskett is the Eagles' biggest returning receiver and likely the most physical.
Ryan Moats had a morning that's become far too common. He had a few impressive runs -- including a cut back that was one of the better moves in camp -- but he finished the drive by fumbling on the goal line. This isn't news, but Moats needs to hold onto the football.
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