Sam Bradford a go for Pats

The Eagles listed Sam Bradford probable on their Friday injury report, paving the way for the quarterback to start Sunday in Foxborough against the Patriots.

Bradford was scratched the last two games with concussion and AC joint issues, the latter to his non-throwing shoulder.

Running back Ryan Mathews (concussion) is out. Defensive end Cedric Thornton (ankle) and offensive tackle Jason Peters (back) are questionable.

Above, Delaware County Daily Times staffer will bring unit the action live and in print from Gillette Stadium Sunday.

Eagles freeing cash to pay DJax, Vick and DRC

Letting their veteran free agents walk and taking pass rusher Jason Babin out of circulation rather than the higher-priced Charles Johnson or Ray Edwards tells me the Eagles have budgeted for other needs.

That would be extending the contracts of quarterback Michael Vick, wide receiver DeSean Jackson and potentially cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, assuming the deal goes through.

Eagles freeing cash to pay DJax, Vick and DRC

Letting their veteran free agents walk and taking pass rusher Jason Babin out of circulation rather than the higher-priced Charles Johnson or Ray Edwards tells me the Eagles have budgeted for other needs.

That would be extending the contracts of quarterback Michael Vick, wide receiver DeSean Jackson and potentially cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, assuming the deal goes through.

New helmet wouldn't have prevented DJax concussion

DeSean Jackson has nothing to lose trying out a new helmet that could reduce the possibility of a concussion.

Two concussions in two seasons are reason to reach out for any available help for the ultra-talented Eagles receiver.

But unless we're totally missing something the safer helmet wouldn't have prevented Jackson from passing out on the hit from Dunta Robinson three Sundays ago.

Robinson cracked Jackson in the upper chest and chin, not the helmet. Jackson was out before he hit the ground. It's doubtful there is any helmet that could have prevented that concussion.

New helmet wouldn't have prevented DJax concussion

DeSean Jackson has nothing to lose trying out a new helmet that could reduce the possibility of a concussion.

Two concussions in two seasons are reason to reach out for any available help for the ultra-talented Eagles receiver.

But unless we're totally missing something the safer helmet wouldn't have prevented Jackson from passing out on the hit from Dunta Robinson three Sundays ago.

Robinson cracked Jackson in the upper chest and chin, not the helmet. Jackson was out before he hit the ground. It's doubtful there is any helmet that could have prevented that concussion.

NFL instructional 'hits' video; or if you prefer the do's and don'ts of big hits

Looking at the instructional video the NFL mandated players view, there are some pretty big hits players can get away with despite the moaning and groaning about the recent wave of fines along with the threat of suspensions.

Some seriously big hits (http://tinyurl.com/2fapcdc).

In a nutshell, proper tackling protocol basically is this - shoulder to the chest of defenseless player good; helmet-to-helmet, helmet or shoulder to the neck or head of defenseless player, fine and/or suspension.

One of the featured don'ts was the Dunta Robinson hit on Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson that knocked both players out last weekend. The Falcons' Robinson is appealing the $50,000 fine.

"As you can say in this play, it's bang-bang," was the narration by NFL disciplinarian Ray Anderson, who metes out the punishment. "But it's illegal."

Robinson caught Jackson with a shoulder to the neck and chin area.

next free agent up: Mike Bell

The Eagles will entertain 220-pound RB Mike Bell, a four-year veteran who scored five touchdowns last season with the Super Bowl 44 champion Saints.
The Saints tendered Bell, a restricted free agent, at the lowest level. That gives them only the right of first refusal.