McDOUGLE IS IN STABLE CONDITION
July 29, 2005
By CHRIS McPHERSON
BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- Defensive end Jerome McDougle was shot in the abdomen Thursday night during a robbery attempt in Southwest Miami.
Head coach Andy Reid updated his situation during his press conference Thursday night. Reid said that McDougle is in stable condition. While the Eagles' doctors are still talking to McDougle's doctors in Miami for more specifics, Reid said that no major organs were injured.
McDougle had surgery after he was shot during a robbery attempt
"I'm glad he is doing very well," Reid said. "I'm optimistic that he'll recover and be ready to play football."
But there is no timetable for McDougle's return. Reid added that he had left messages for McDougle, but had not talked to him.
McDougle would have reported for training camp with the other veterans on Monday. Reid acknowledged that McDougle spent a lot of time in the offseason working out and that he was in great shape.
As for the impact of McDougle's injury on the team, Reid said that teammates had contacted him and were concerned. But once the rookies and selected veterans take the field for practice football, Reid said everything will be fine.
"It's tragic," said rookie WR Reggie Brown. "I just hope he'll be alright. I really don't know how serious it is. It's something you don't want to hear.
"I think everyone will be able to rest easy as long as he's going to be alright."
McDougle spent most of the offseason woking out at the NovaCare Complex with hopes of taking over the starting spot at defensive end opposite Jevon Kearse this season. He had two sacks in 2004.
McDougle was selected as the Eagles first-round draft pick and the fifteenth overall selection of the 2003 NFL Draft. The Eagles traded up 15 spots in order to draft the star defensive end from the University of Miami.
In his two NFL seasons, McDougle has been plagued by injuries - an irregular heart beat and a knee sprain. In all, McDougle has missed thirteen games.