Quarterbacks In The Spotlight At Eagles OTAs
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Will Sam Bradford be ready? How much better is Mark Sanchez? Why is Tim Tebow here?
These are several of the stories connected with football's most important position for the Eagles. All of the signal callers were on display in South Philadelphia on Thursday as the Eagles wrapped up three days of organized team activities. The quarterback fans seem to have the most concern with is Sam Bradford, who is expected to be the starter when he recovers from a knee injury. Bradford suffered the second torn ACL of his career last season in St. Louis, but says he is on course with his rehab as training camp draws closer.
"I get more comfortable with my knee and where it's at every day," said Bradford. "Obviously, it would be nice to get out there and get some live reps, but I think we're progressing towards that. I'm sure once I get out there and take some reps, things will really start to come together."
Chip Kelly is happy with Bradford's progress. He does not want to push Bradford's rehab to a point where there is a risk of any setbacks, but Kelly is confident Bradford is at the right phase of his quest to be ready for the regular season.
"He is on schedule," Kelly said. "We all think there's three phases: there's medical rehab, there is performance rehab, and then there's prepared to play. He's probably right at the tail end of medical rehab. He'll probably start throwing some seven on seven next week. I think he's right on schedule in terms of where he is."
While Bradford is hoping to be ready for the season opener, Kelly also has complete confidence in Mark Sanchez. When Sanchez came to the Eagles last year, he was still recovering from a shoulder injury. Now, Sanchez is healthy and has a year of Kelly's system under his belt.
"He's just a whole year advanced," said Kelly. "He was probably in the tail end of medical rehab and probably in the performance rehab part when we got him last year. Now, he's full go. I think you can see it in how he's performing out there right now."
Then there is Tim Tebow, who has been out of the NFL for the past two seasons and is trying to find a way to make an impact with the Eagles. While most believe Tebow will be battling for the third quarterback spot, he is excited about the opportunity to once again play in the NFL.
"There are a lot of things that are out of our control," Tebow said. "For me, it's just about during that time trying to improve. When you get an opportunity, you try to make the most of that opportunity."
No matter what happens with Bradford, Sanchez, Tebow, and Matt Barkley, it's safe to say the quarterbacks will once again remain in the spotlight.
