Prior to Saturday's practice, the Philadelphia Eagles were without two of their most important players. Running back DeMarco Murray missed two practices due to a lack of hydration and a respiratory illness. Linebacker Kiko Alonso suffered a concussion during Tuesday's practice, which has sidelined him for the time being.
As for Murray, the Eagles are diligently getting him back up to the speed of things. Last season's leading rusher didn't participate in every drill today, but head coach Chip Kelly expects the running back to be at full strength moving forward into the rest of camp.
Kelly spoke to members of the media referring to Murray's workload in practice.
"Jordan Matthews was sick and missed walk through yesterday," Kelly said. "There is something going around. But we were just getting [Murray] back up to speed he's a full-go today.¨
In Alonso's case, the Eagles may be a bit more cautious prior to allowing the newly-acquired linebacker to return to practice. Alonso's concussion is the first of his career. Thus, the first step for the eagles is to get Alonso cleared to play under the league's concussion protocol.
However, that doesn't mean Alonso is sitting at home rehabbing. Kelly explained what actions Alonso must complete before he gets cleared for action.
"He's here. He's working with trainers every day," Kelly said. "They have a whole protocol that they go through on what they are allowed to do. There are exercises and then there are tests and all of those things,"
So when will Alonso be back? Kelly acknowledges that the answer isn't up to him. "I don't even ask, [team physicians] just tell me when he's cleared."
Despite the rough start of training camp for two of their most important pieces, the Eagles have one thing on their side. That one thing is time. The Eagles have more than a week to get everyone healthy prior to the team's preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Aug. 16.
Michael Malia is a contributing intern for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Facebook (Michael Malia) or Twitter @Michael_Malia.
