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Eagles G Andrews returns to practice

editor1 |Aug 16,2008

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PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- Philadelphia Eagles guard Shawn
Andrews, who missed a portion of training camp while battling
depression, practiced with his teammates for the first time this
summer Saturday.

A two-time Pro Bowler, Andrews rejoined the Eagles on August 9
but had not practiced until Saturday. The 6-4, 331-pounder
admitted he was a bit nervous about how he would be received by
his teammates.

"The last week, it's been pretty tough," Andrews said. "I was
kind of pessimistic as to how my teammates would receive me
back. I'm still going through a lot, but I'm just trying to
make it. It's been a big step for me."

The entire ordeal was a difficult one for Andrews, who admitted
he was uncertain about many things.

"I won't say that I contemplated suicide, but I had some very, I
guess in my mind, to me, unrealistic thoughts about a lot of
things," Andrews said. "I was really lost and just really felt
like there was not outlet. I just felt alone, you know?"

Andrews indicated a talk with coach Andy Reid has helped.

"It did make me feel comfortable," he said. "Coach Reid, after
he realized that Shawn Andrews did have a serious problem, he
was very positive about the situation. He's a funny guy. I
mean, he helps you laugh and tries to make the situation better,
but ultimately, he really showed he cared, and that meant a lot
to me."

According to Andrews, his situation has helped him physically.

"I've been running very hard and have used some of my emotions
and aggressions in my workouts," he said. "This morning I
weighed in at 331 (pounds), and I'm feeling pretty strong.
That's lighter than what I'm going to play on game day. I just
want to keep reassuring myself that I have the means and the
mind set to keep the weight off."

The next step in Andrews' road to recovery would be to play in
Friday's preseason game against the New England Patriots,
something to which he is looking forward.

"I would love to play against the Patriots," he said.