Injury Updates On Celek, Mathis

Eagles tight end Brent Celek said today that he will participate in the afternoon practice for the first time since suffering a sprained MCL in his right knee on July 26.

“I’m going to do some stuff today,” Celek told the Eagles’ Web site. “I’ll be out there running around with the guys. I’m excited to get back out there again.”

As recently as Monday afternoon, Andy Reid said Celek was still having trouble cutting. In his absence, Clay Harbor has filled in with the first team and played extremely well. Undrafted free agent Brett Brackett has also gotten reps, mostly in two tight-end sets.

Celek was outstanding in the final 10 games last season, catching 73 percent of the balls thrown his way. After a slow start, he averaged 67.1 yards per game in the final 11. That translates to 1,073 yards in a 16-game season.

MATHIS RETURNS (KIND OF)

Left guard Evan Mathis, who wasn’t at practice yesterday, participated in the walk-through this morning. Reid said Mathis was sick and had an inner ear infection.

When asked if doctors thought he had vertigo, Mathis responded, “I think so.”

“They’re 99 percent sure that it’s a result of a viral infection that just needs to run its course,” he added. “I think I’m almost over it.”

Whether he’ll participate in this afternoon’s practice is up in the air.

“I’m going to play it by inner ear,” Mathis joked. “I’m going to see how it goes.”

Follow Sheil Kapadia on Twitter and e-mail him at skapadia@phillymag.com.