Hicks back and ready to lend the defense a hand
PHILADELPHIA » A fresh scar snaking up his right hand to the pinkie, Jordan Hicks was a sight for sore eyes after practice Thursday.
The Eagles’ middle linebacker returned to action full-time in a big way as he was all over the field with his teammates.
“That’s four weeks,” Hicks said of the surgery to repair a break in the finger. “I did everything today. I was in every single drill today. I feel great, man.
“Today was probably the most physical day we’ve had with goal line and short yardage. For me to be able to do this, first of all it builds confidence in me. And then hopefully everybody else who questions when I’m going to be able to go, today will tell them.”
The live tackling sessions totaled almost 50 snaps. Hicks made a handful of jarring hits. And he deflected a laser-guided pass toward Nelson Agholor with his left hand.
Hicks’ return couldn’t have come at a better time as linebacker Mychal Kendricks was scratched from practice with a quadriceps issue. It meant more snaps for Joe Walker, Don Cherry, Nathan Gerry and Steven Daniels.
Cherry, a Villanova product, played all three linebacker spots.
*** The Eagles signed safety Corey Graham to a one-year contract Thursday.
Graham (6-0, 187), recently turned 31. He started all 16 games the last two seasons with the Bills. He registered three interceptions, three fumble recoveries and two sacks. Graham has played 157 games in his 10-year career, spending five seasons with the Bears, two with Baltimore and three with the Bills.
Graham is familiar with Jim Schwartz’s defense, much like veteran linebacker Steven Tulloch was when he came aboard last summer.
Safety Terrence Brooks has played well lately but is still learning.
The signing could set up another deal, perhaps for a cornerback, a positio of weakness. The Eagles might be able to package safety Rodney McLeod and a draft pick for a corner (Richard Sherman, anyone?).
*** Rookie running back Donnel Pumphrey (hamstring) has missed the bulk of three straight days of practices, which has enabled undrafted rookie Corey Clement to open eyes with a hard running style.
Pumphrey (5-8, 176) has missed all of the live tackling practices, hardly a help for the coaching staff that wants to see how he fits.
“You don’t want to miss practices, especially when you’re a rookie,” offensive coordinator Frank Reich said. “But it’s a long season. As one of our draft picks, you just got to be smart about it. You’ve got to resist the temptation to want to get back too soon and re-aggravate something or reinjure something. Then you’re out longer.
“Obviously our training staff is going to do a great job, kind of put the reins on players and make it safe. Thankfully Pump is very smart. I think he’s really into it. Even when he’s not in there, the last couple days he’s getting all the mental reps you can.”
*** The scary moment at practice came during a 2-on-2 linemen drill where defensive tackle Gabe Wright crashed into Isaac Seumalo, who was blocking Derek Barnett.
Seumalo wound up on the ground but said he was OK after the accidental blindside.
Seumalo was the star of the 1-on-1 linemen drills as he stood up or pushed away all of the pass rushers he faced. Dillon Gordon also performed well as a blocker.
Vinny Curry was outstanding on the rush, as was Fletcher Cox. Curry was the only Eagle to notch a sack in the live tackling periods.