Bradford: ‘I Plan To Play’

Chip Kelly was asked five different ways about his plan for Sam Bradford this weekend, and he deftly ducked each question. At one point, he cited the weather as a factor in determining if/how long Bradford plays.

“You never know, there could be a monsoon!” he joked on his way off the practice field Thursday.

There are some showers in the Green Bay forecast Saturday, but barring that monsoon, it sounds like the QB is suiting up.

“I plan to play,” said Bradford. “It’s always his decision. We haven’t talked about it. I don’t know how much [I’ll play], but yeah, I plan to play.”

Bradford has only played 14 snaps this preseason (all of which came last week against the Ravens) and he is eager to get more work. While noting that this system is easier to digest because the playbook is not as voluminous compared to other places, he still needs time to develop a greater comfort level.

“The biggest thing would just be getting into a rhythm. Obviously last week to play the one drive was great, but it’s nice to go onto the field multiple times, establish that rhythm, come over [to the sidelines between possessions], work on communication with the line, with the receivers, talk about what we’re seeing on the field so when we get to the regular season that’s not something we’re trying to work through.”

He’s looking forward to playing on the road so the offense can work on silent count, which undoubtedly will be needed come Week 1 in Atlanta. As for his thoughts on the weather this week Green Bay?

“I’d prefer it to be warm,” he said with a smile, “but I don’t care.”

Huff in mourning

Josh Huff returned to the practice field after a two-day absence, but conceded that his mind “wasn’t there.”

The 23-year-old recently lost his god brother, Anthony Joyce, and was in very somber spirits when speaking with reporters following Thursday’s training session.

“I’m just taking it day by day,” he said. “Try to wake up and be better than I was the day before and if that doesn’t work then I’ll just continue to pray.”

Given the circumstances, there is a chance that Huff sits out Saturday’s game against the Packers.

“Every day I can get better I’m going to try and get better, but Saturday, if I can’t make it I can’t make it,” said Huff. “I’m pretty sure the guys and the coaches will understand that.”

Acho waived/injured

Emmanuel Acho‘s locker stall was empty Thursday, his name plate removed. Per a source, the 24-year-old was waived/injured after having thumb surgery over the last couple days.

“It’s tough seeing Acho go,” said DeMeco Ryans. “Great teammate first and foremost. I think out of all the guys he’s probably had the best camp, I know the best camp he’s had since I’ve been around him. But I expect him to heal up pretty fast and get back. Hopefully we can get him back here if another team doesn’t snatch him up.”

Ryans, Alonso expect to play

Fortunately for the Eagles, they have plenty of depth at inside linebacker. And it looks like many of their top guys are on the mend. Ryans told reporters that he plans on playing against the Packers, as did Kiko Alonso. 

“I feel really good right now, feel like I’m headed in the right direction,” said Ryans. “We’ll see how I feel this weekend against the Packers. Knowing me I’ll be ready [for the opener].”

By the sound of it, the defense might not get a chance to play against Aaron Rodgers, as the signal caller may be held out of the final two exhibition games.

“Yeah [it’s disappointing], but it’s the preseason,” said Alonso. “He’s one of the best so it definitely would have been a great test, so it’s unfortunate.”