Sam Bradford surprised he won't start Eagles preseason

There have been a fair amount of eyes on Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford since he joined the club at the insistence of head coach Chip Kelly this March, and a fair amount more on his left knee. A twice torn ACL sits somewhere in there, and the millions who gather around the franchise are hoping a third time won't be the charm. 

When a franchise adds someone like Bradford, someone who has seen far less football than his years in the league would suggest, the impetus rests on that franchise to take him easy. 

All reports from Philadelphia since the start of training camp have been positive, though. He has gone untouched and unharmed. He's looked increasingly confident and sure in the pocket. He's made consistently good throws. He's managed the offense efficiently. He and his coach have reiterated to the umpteenth degree that the guy's knee is in working order.

So when the news came down that Bradford wouldn't sniff the turf at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday when the Eagles host the Colts in each squad's first preseason game, a fair amount of eyebrows were raised.

Including Bradford's.

"Obviously, I wanted to be out there," he said, adding that he was surprised by the decision. "I was preparing to be out there. [Kelly] kind of sat down and explained it to me. That's up to him. I'll be ready to roll next week, get out there to play against the Ravens."

It's an understandable move. Why risk your franchise to a very-possible injury? The Giants already have two safeties who have fallen to some bruise or another, placing an already fragile secondary into an uncertain future. The Bears are playing with loaded dice as regards their rookie wide receiver, who may go under the knife. Redskins tight end Niles Paul had his ankle twisted off and is lost for what could have been a very productive season for him. 

So caution should be foremost in coaches' minds this summer.

Kelly has taken a fine toothcomb to this roster since being named it's unofficial general manager and personnel chief. His many moves have been well documented. Sooner or later, he'll have to put his theories into practice, but in Bradford's case, the risks outweigh the rewards. 

The rewards? An accurate and confident pocket passer who progresses in his comeback. Bradford has, in many important ways, proven himself during that scarce time he's seen live NFL action. The risks? A third ACL tear in a worthless game that could put the Eagles' campaign into serious jeopardy, if not outright ruin. The obvious choice apparently lay before Kelly and he made it.