Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown skips team workout

Eagles CB Brown skips workout

PHILADELPHIA — Disgruntled Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown didn’t attend the voluntary team workout on Tuesday.

Coach Andy Reid was aware that Brown would not be participating and doesn’t expect him to rejoin the team during the workouts, which continue over the next two weeks.

“I want everybody here, obviously,” Reid said. “Sheldon is doing what Sheldon thinks he needs to do. I wish he was here.”

Brown went public in April with his wish for a new contract or a trade after team president Joe Banner, in a radio interview, denied Brown had any dissatisfaction with his current deal, which runs through 2012. The team responded with a terse statement making it clear Brown will not get a new deal, nor will any Eagles player with four years remaining on his contract.

The Eagles also acquired veteran cornerback Ellis Hobbs from the New England Patriots for two fifth-round picks during the draft.

Brown attended the mandatory postdraft minicamp last month, saying he was satisfied that his situation had been made public and he was determined not to allow it to become a distraction. Had the seven-year veteran skipped the camp, he likely would have been fined.

During those workouts, Brown and Hobbs shared reps at right cornerback with the first team. Asante Samuel was the starter on the left side.

“I’m going to stay consistent with what I said and I believe it,” Reid said. “If you’re not here, then you give other people an opportunity to show it.”

Brown has not missed a game in his NFL career. He has played in 112 straight games, the second- longest streak among active cornerbacks behind Tampa Bay’s Ronde Barber. Last season, Brown had one interception and was second on the team behind Samuel with 20 knockdowns.

“Wherever he’s at, I know he’s working hard,” safety Quintin Mikell said. “He knows the system, so I think he’ll be fine.”

Running back Brian Westbrook did not practice because of a sore ankle. Reid did not provide any details regarding how the injury occurred, but expected to know more later in the week.

Westbrook underwent minor knee surgery earlier this offseason. “His knee is feeling good,” Reid said.

Reid did not have an update on defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, who is on an indefinite leave of absence while undergoing treatment for skin cancer. The Eagles on Monday hired former Cowboys defensive coordinator Brian Stewart as a defensive assistant to help with the secondary while secondary coach Sean McDermott fills in for Johnson.