Eagles Forced To Deal With Loss Of Maclin
By Ed Benkin
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Jeremy Maclin's teammates knew something was terribly wrong.
The Eagles wide receiver went down during Saturday's practice and suffered a tear of his ACL in his right knee (see related story). Michael Vick threw a pass to Maclin during a non-contact drill. Maclin fell to the ground and was unable to put any weight on his right leg. Maclin was carted off the field and an MRI confirmed what is devastating injury to the wide receiver.
Nick Foles had just completed his passing drills when he saw his teammate on the ground.
"I saw him after it happened," said Foles. "I saw him laying there, and it's never good when you have a guy on the ground. Our thoughts and prayers are with him."
It was to be an especially critical year for Maclin, who has one year remaining on his current contract. Maclin indicated at the start of camp he would rather let his performance dictate his future as opposed to a holdout. Now, Maclin's season is likely over. Fellow wide receiver DeSean Jackson talked about how important it's been to have Maclin on the field with him during the season.
"He takes some of the pressure off myself," said Jackson. "He's able to go out there and make big plays just like myself. Anytime you have a guy like that who can help keep double teams and triple teams away from me, that's huge."
RELATED: Jackson Needs To Step Up In Maclin's Absence
Center Jason Kelce suffered a season-ending knee injury last season, and he had a sense the injury to Maclin was severe.
"I didn't see what happened on the play," said Kelce. "I saw him coming off the field. Obviously, that's the one thing everybody hates to see during training camp...one of your major contributors go down."
Michael Vick was also upset about the injury to Maclin. However, Vick said the team has to move forward without their star receiver.
"Other guys have got to step up," Vick said. "It's a part of the nature of the game. Injuries are going to happen."
The Eagles will practice at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.
