There was good news for the Eagles at the Nova Care Complex today as two key offensive players Shawn Andrews and L.J. Smith worked out with the team as they started preparations for the Green Bay game.
A healthy Shawn Andrews would be a major shot in the arm for the Eagles running attack. None of his replacements, Sean Young, Max Jean-Gilles and Nick Cole played well enough to secure the back up starting guard position. The power of Andrews, paired with physical right tackle Jon Runyan makes the Birds almost unstoppable on the right side. Shawn's recovering from a high ankle sprain. I don't think it would a wise move to bring him back too early. I expect the Birds make sure he's not pushing things too quick on his way back to action.
L.J. Smith is recovering from a strained groin which he suffered while trying to return to action after he had surgery to repair a sports hernia. L.J. would provide the Birds with another weapon to catch passes in the middle of the field and threaten safeties down the middle. He's also the team's best run blocking tight end. Expect the Birds to work him into a number of packages for the Pack.
It would be great for the Birds to get both of these guys back because the offense must will have to carry this team early with such an inexperienced defense.
