“I think the first natural human reaction and that’s sadness,” says Eagles head coach Chip Kelly, “you look at how much Jeremy has put in this and how much this team cares about him .. he is a guy who is here everyday and its a hard thing.”
With Maclin out that means different guys will be at the receiver spot. Riley Cooper has been seeing considerable reps in practice.
“Our evaluation of Riley isn’t ‘Oh Mac’s not here let’s look at Riley,'” says Kelly, “I knew about him since I got here in January he’s a big physical player and I think his size is a weapon for him.”
But talking with the players, they say it won’t be easy for one guy to fill that void.
“It’s going to be a collective effort by the receiving corps , the running backs, the tight ends and linemen…quarterbacks ,” says wide receiver Jason Avant, “everyone is going to have to address and do a good job to try to account for his productivity.”
“Look at all the stats Maclin puts up yearly, “says Eagles running back LeSean McCoy, ” you will miss that this year. Guys will have to step up maybe if its more yards from the quarterback, maybe guys you don’t even know about right now… come over make those plays. “
The Eagles will have its first preseason game on August 9th against the New England Patriots.