An Opening For Casey Matthews?


Andy Reid on Wednesday said that, assuming health, Akeem Jordan is his starting weakside linebacker. Jordan missed the last two games with a hamstring injury but is expected to be a go against Detroit this Sunday.

What is Plan B?

“We’ll just see. We have a variety of choices there because all those guys play all the positions, depending on that situation,” Reid said.

Jamar Chaney started at  WILL in Jordan’s absence with mixed results. Reid did not commit to Chaney being the backup there this week. That leaves open the possibility that Casey Matthews is in the mix.

Matthews played three snaps against the Steelers when Mychal Kendricks left briefly with a sprained ankle. He made two tackles in his brief appearance.

“I went to WILL so it was a little different. But they made it pretty simple,” said Matthews. “I was just fortunate to make a couple plays.

“I don’t know what it means going forward. Hopefully it meant something. It’s hard to tell.”

Matthews anticipates that he’ll continue to take reps as the backup middle linebacker behind DeMeco Ryans and that Chaney will remain the second option at weakside linebacker, though he hadn’t been told the plan as of Wednesday morning.

“It’s whatever the coaches want,” said Matthews. “I can only go out and take advantage of whatever limited opportunities I have.”

Matthews has settled in after a turbulent rookie season that saw him move from the middle to the outside and then ultimately, the bench. Now out of the starting lineup and the spotlight, the Oregon product has his feet more firmly under him and is hoping for another shot.

“Things have been coming easier in practice, rep wise, understanding what my responsibilities and why I have them,” said Matthews. “Last year was a little different. I understand why people are going to certain spots, things like that. Another year in the system just makes it that much easier, makes you more comfortable . And when you’re comfortable, things slow down.”