Head coach Andy Reid confirmed following Monday's practice that defensive end Maurice Fountain suffered a torn patellar tendon during Sunday afternoon's practice.
Fountain revealed the news on his Twitter account Sunday evening. Reid said that Fountain was impressive during the rookie camp over the weekend and that he has the ability to play in the NFL. The ultimate journeyman, the 29-year-old Fountain played in both Arena leagues, endured three stints in the UFL and had stops in Miami and Seattle before joining the Eagles practice squad midway through the 2011 season.
Reid intimated that Fountain's 2012 season was likely over.
"I'll tell you, he's one of my favorite guys. He just does everything that he's asked to. You know the story, and those are sick deals. It was a freak thing," Reid said. "Like I said, he hasn't played in the NFL so he doesn't have a lot of years on him, and it's been arena league.
"I tell him that he's a young 29 in the football world, so he can rehab that thing and he can play. He can play at the next level and he was on course to do that. You don't like seeing that happen, but he's a young kid and he'll bust his tail to get back."
When the Organized Team Activities begin next Tuesday at the NovaCare Complex, Reid said that center Jason Kelce (foot) and linebacker Moise Fokou (ankle) have been cleared to play. Tight end Brent Celek (sports hernia) will take part, but his reps will be limited according to Reid.
Rookie running back Chris Polk sat out Monday's rookie camp practice with a hamstring strain. He should be good to go for the OTAs. Rookies can take part if their college semester has finished.
The following players will not take part in the OTAs or the full-team mini-camp in June: Colt Anderson (knee), Mike Patterson (head), Jamar Chaney (neck) and Jason Peters (Achilles).
Patterson and Chaney should be good for training camp. Patterson underwent brain surgery this offseason and is doing workouts at the NovaCare Complex, but is unable to wear a helmet yet. Chaney underwent offseason neck surgery. Anderson, who tore his ACL late last season, is a wait-and-see. Peters is out indefinitely, per Reid, with the ruptured Achilles.
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