After wide receiver DeSean Jackson did not take part in the final week of the Eagles' Organized Team Activity, head coach Andy Reid squelched any notion that Jackson would not report on time for the start of training camp.
"He'll be here," Reid said explaining that Jackson wasn't present for personal reasons.
Jackson was a regular participant in the Eagles' off-season conditioning program, took part in the mandatory post-draft mini-camp and practiced with the team during the first week of the voluntary OTAs. While Jackson would love to get a new contract - he has two years left on his rookie deal - he has never made any indication that he would holdout or be a distraction to the team.
While one Jackson is expected on the field for the start of training camp, a camp that Reid indicated will be a week longer this season, center Jamaal Jackson will "most likely not be ready for training camp," per Reid. Jackson tore the ACL in his knee in Week 16 of last season. Reid couldn't offer more in terms of a timeline for his return, but did say that opening day (Sept. 12 vs. Green Bay) "will be a stretch."
Another Jackson was injured during last Week's OTAs, free safety Marlin Jackson, who suffered a ruptured Achilles. Reid was asked whether Jackson's knee injuries over the past two years led to the Achilles injury. Doctors told Reid that an evaluation of the tendon revealed some damage and that essentially it was a time bomb waiting to go off.
With Marlin Jackson sidelined, second-round draft pick Nate Allen will be the starter at free safety going into training camp.
The starter opposite of Allen, strong safety Quintin Mikell, suffered a sprained MCL during the OTAs but will be ready for the start of camp, per Reid. Ditto middle linebacker Stewart Bradley, who was resting a calf strain. Same for guard Todd Herremans, who was sidelined for the OTAs with foot soreness. The same goes for fellow guard Fenuki Tupou (pec strain) and wide receiver Riley Cooper (hamstring spasm).
Also absent from the final OTA were cornerback Asante Samuel, who missed the last week of OTAs for personal reasons. Defensive coordinator Sean McDermott and center Mike McGlynn missed Thursday's workout for personal reasons. Safety Kurt Coleman, whose Ohio State class finally graduated which kept him from reporting to these OTAs, was not out on the practice field.
The only other player who is "most likely" not going to be ready for the start of training camp is defensive end Victor Abiamiri, who underwent microfracture surgery on his knee earlier in the off-season. Abiamiri said last week that he had his eyes set on being ready for the start of training camp.
The rookies report to Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa. on July 26 with the veterans scheduled to report on the 29th. Camp does not break until August 18.
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 1:45 p.m., June 10
