PHILADELPHIA (AP) -Brent Celek’s turn as Philadelphia’s No. 1 tight end is about up.
L.J. Smith is ready to play and returned to practice Wednesday after missing a game with a concussion. He’ll be back in the starting lineup for Sunday’s game against the Giants, leaving Celek back as the backup.
Celek’s best game for an Eagles tight end since the 1960s also has fans clamoring for him to replace Smith.
All Celek did against Seattle was catch six passes for 131 yards – the highest single-game yardage total by an Eagles tight end in a regular-season game since Pete Retzlaff gained 148 yards at St. Louis in 1965.
Smith, a five-year starter, has only two career 100-yard receiving games and none since 2006.
So exit Smith, enter Celek? Eagles coach Andy Reid said it’s not that simple.
s kind of an unknown guy, so there were times where they didn’t do a great job of covering him.”
A fifth-round pick out of Cincinnati last year, Celek said on Wednesday he was fine resuming his normal role as a backup. He wanted Smith healthy, on the field and ready to contribute against the Giants. Still, Celek was glad he could prove that he belonged and could contribute big numbers if he was needed.
“You just have to show them you can play, otherwise you won’t be around very long,” Celek said.
Celek should be in line for plenty more opportunities.
The injury-prone Smith played in only 10 games last season and missed time because of the lingering effects of a sports hernia, a groin injury and the final three games with a knee injury. Smith was knocked out of a win two weeks ago over Atlanta with a concussion after a late hit from Lawyer Milloy.
Smith also missed a game earlier this season against the Bears with a bad back.
The Eagles slapped the franchise tag on Smith at the end of last season and he might be on his way out once his one-year contract expires.
Against the Giants, Smith starts. End of discussion.
“L.J. is a Pro Bowl player,” Reid said. “People pay a lot of attention to him because of that. Celek, he sure stepped up and played at that level, too. That’s a great situation to have.”
re receiving (214-106) this season.
“Inside, you know you can help this team out,” Celek said.
Celek took off his Reds cap, turned around at his locker and saw a horde of reporters waiting to speak with him.
He wanted no part of talking about any tight end controversy.
“I don’t think I’ve really earned it,” Celek said. “I think I’ve shown what I can do. Like I’ve always said, L.J.’s a great player and I’m happy he’s back this week.”
Smith wasn’t available in either of the two open locker room availabilities Wednesday, but Reid said Smith felt good and was cleared to play.
An Internet poll on Philly.com asking who should be the starter had Celek picked by 94 percent of the fans with about 1,000 votes cast late Wednesday afternoon – not that the support or the big game means much to him this week.
“I’ve got to get ready the same way,” Celek said. “We’re playing the Giants this week and that’s all I’m thinking about right now.”
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