On Friday, Eagles cornerback Cary Williams questioned the organization’s interest in conducting joint practices with the Patriots, calling them “cheaters.” After a day off, the Eagles were back at practice — but Williams wasn’t.
Via Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com, Williams blamed the absence on minor soreness.
“I’ll be back out there as soon as I can,” Williams said. “Chip [Kelly] understands that I work hard, I try to do everything within the system. Today, he just gave me a day off. It’s not a big deal.”
Williams insisted that his absence had nothing to do with his comments about the Patriots.
“[I]t had nothing to do with that,” Williams said. “I haven’t even discussed anything with Chip. I don’t think he’s trying any type of. . . . I’m sure maybe we’ll have a conversation, but I don’t know.”
Asked before practice about Williams’ remarks, Kelly said in jest, “I appreciate his input.”
It’s possible Kelly gave Williams a day off for being reckless with his tongue. A year removed from the Riley Cooper debacle, however, a cornerback popping off about a seven-year-old cheating scandal is a breeze for the second-year Eagles coach.