The Philadelphia Eagles just started training camp, and they already have to deal with a major injury.
A report from Howard Eskin of WIP radio says middle linebacker Stewart Bradley suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee. The injury -- which happened during a full-contact scrimmage -- is expected to sideline Bradley for the entire 2009 season.
Eagles coach Andy Reid has not confirmed the injury yet, and probably won't say anything publicly until after his team's afternoon workout Monday.
For Philadelphia, it will be interesting to see how they respond to Bradley's loss. They're not terribly deep at linebacker. Bradley, a third-year pro out of Nebraska who took over as the starting middle linebacker last year, is backed up on the depth chart by Joe Mays. A 2008 sixth-round pick out of North Dakota State, Mays played in just two games a year ago.
Former starting middle linebacker Omar Gaither fell out of favor a bit last year, losing his outside starting job to Akeem Jordan. He may also be a candidate to take over in the middle.
Meanwhile, Bob Brookover notes that this injury will likely restart the debate over Reid's training camp philosophy. The veteran coach has always believed in full-contact work during training camp as the best way to prepare for the grueling season. Right or wrong, a serious injury to a starter will only increase the criticism of the coach over this practice.
