I hope nobody is counting on L.J. Smith today (1 Viewer)

[Raider Nation]

I know my opponent is!

Smith doubts he’ll be ready for opener

By REUBEN FRANK

Burlington County Times

PHILADELPHIA — After L.J. Smith sat and watched virtually all of practice yesterday, a reporter who apparently wasn't paying attention asked Smith if he was encouraged by his progress.

“I may get on the plane,” a dejected Smith said.

By the time Smith was finished talking, even the most inattentive writer could tell how discouraged he was.

Smith, now almost a month removed suffering a groin injury at training camp, did not sound optimistic yesterday about his chances of playing against the Packers in the Eagles' season opener in Green Bay tomorrow.

Although the Eagles list Smith as probable, which means they believe he has a 75 percent chance of playing, Smith didn't take a single practice rep during team drills yesterday. He spent the 80-minute practice stretching off to the side, jogging over only to participate in a few individual drills with quarterback Donovan McNabb.

“If I can do something, I'll do it,” the fifth-year tight end said. “If I'm limited, I'm just not going to do it. If I can't be effective, what's the point in being out there?”

Smith has 172 catches for 1,991 yards and 14 touchdowns in four seasons since the Eagles picked him in the second round of the 2003 draft.

The injury dates back to May, when Smith underwent sports hernia surgery. On Aug. 8, just a few days into practice at Lehigh, he crumpled to the ground with a groin injury in the same area that head coach Andy Reid has insisted is unrelated to the sports hernia.

Smith returned to practice on Aug. 20 and seemed very happy with where he was after his first day back.

“I feel good,” he said that day. “I'm definitely encouraged.”

But in the 2 1/2 weeks since, Smith has regressed. He seemed on target all along for the season opener despite missing all four preseason games. But now, it looks like he'll be only a shadow of his normal self even if he does play.

“I'm trying to stay positive through this whole thing,” Smith said. “I'm doing everything the trainers are telling me (but) your body is going to tell you when it's ready.

“It's tough. You're out here to do a job. You've got a great team, and you want to contribute. Everybody knows about my contract situation (free agent after this year), but that's the last thing on my mind. I just want to be out there. It's pretty tough right now being uncertain.”

Rookie fifth-round pick Brent Celek took most of the reps with the first offense at practice today, and Matt Schobel took the rest.

Celek has never played in a regular-season game but was the Eagles' leading receiver this preseason with 13 catches for 143 yards and an 11.0 average. Schobel, who was 5-for-103 in the preseason, is in his sixth NFL season. He has 104 catches for 1,152 yards and 11 touchdowns and has started 17 games, 10 as a rookie with the Bengals in 2002.

“I have to ask myself, "If I go out there, am I going to be effective?'“ Smith said. “I'm hoping for the best and hoping my body heals the way it's supposed to heal, so I can go out and do some damage. I'm doing what I can do in practice and trying to get into rhythm with Donovan (McNabb).

“I've never had one of these before. Hopefully, it goes away tomorrow.”

http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/99-...07-1404329.html

 

[Raider Nation]

BTW, he was downgraded to questionable after this article was posted.

 

[Mighty Mice]

Sounds like a longshot. Hope the rookie Celek is ready.

FWIW Footbal guys "Players in the News" Friday edition said Smith practiced fully, which got my hopes up. Then, he was downgraded and the story changed. Don't think we'll see LJ today.

 

[Jason Wood]

Who was counting on him today?

 

[gman74]

is celek the back up or schobel

 

[BustedKnuckles]

bump k.curtis up

 

[drdgreenlove]

bump k.curtis up

not necessarilymaybe bump schoebel and celek up from 0 to 2 points howeverI'm predicting 2-33 1 TD for Celek

 

[Raider Nation]

Who was counting on him today?

Please refer to the first line of the first post.My opponent sat Eric Johnson on Thursday night, and all he has left is Smith.Tough break.......

 

[bkterps]

bump k.curtis up

not necessarilymaybe bump schoebel and celek up from 0 to 2 points howeverI'm predicting 2-33 1 TD for Celek

Celek looked pretty good for the Eagles in preseason. I think he will surprise some people when he gets his chance.

 

[purestrength]

Any up-to-date news on Smith?

 

[Joe Bryant]

Smith will be on the active roster today and may play.

 

[MaddHatter]

Smith will be on the active roster today and may play.

LJ Smith could have a good day today. I am worried and I do not own him in any leagues, but in PPR leagues, he may end up being a not-so bad play at the end of action tonight.

 

[by_the_sea_wannabe]

Who was counting on him today?

my other choice would be Pollard off the ww, I am choosing to roll with Smith.

 

[The_Hoser]

I've benched LJ, dropped Leonard Pope and nabbed Owen Daniels off the waiver wire.

 

[by_the_sea_wannabe]

I've benched LJ, dropped Leonard Pope and nabbed Owen Daniels off the waiver wire.

Wish someone like Daniels was available in my league.

 

[The_Hoser]

I've benched LJ, dropped Leonard Pope and nabbed Owen Daniels off the waiver wire.

Wish someone like Daniels was available in my league.

I got lucky. A guy who's been in the title game the last three seasons had to drop him to pick up a spare part.My gain.