Eagles MLB Bradley out for season

**Nick** · -08-03-2009

First from ProFootballTalk...

Report: Torn ACL for Stewart Bradley
Posted by Mike Florio on August 3, 2009 11:53 AM ET

Howard Eskin of 610 WIP in Philly reports that Eagles middle linebacker Stewart Bradley suffered a torn ACL on Sunday night during a scrimmage.

He's expected to be out for the year.

Bradley became the starter last year at the position, and he was expected to be the primary signal-caller on defense this season.

...and then from NBC Philadelphia...

Eagles starting middle linebacker Stewart Bradley will likely miss the entire season after tearing the ACL in his knee, according to 610 WIP's Howard Eskin.

The Eagles wouldn't confirm anything. They told NBC Philadelphia that MRI results were still pending as of Monday afternoon.

The news could be devastating to a mostly young Eagles defense. Bradley was supposed to emerge this season as the face of a revamped Eagles defense.

He injured himself during what appeared to be a routine play during Eagles flight night Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. The injury didn’t appear that serious at first considering that Bradley walked off the field on his own power. But it was more serious than it at first seemed.

Flight Night was supposed to bring a joyous atmosphere to the Linc -- give the fans and players a taste of big-game action.

But for Bradley flight night ended badly as we reported Sunday.

An MRI Monday revealed a torn ACL, reported Eskin.

He was slated to take on a leadership role in the middle of the Eagles defense.

The 6-foot-4, 255-pounder had 151 tackles in his first full season as a starter last year. He was the primary signal caller on a defense that already lost veteran safety Brian Dawkins in free agency.

Joe Mays will likely replace Bradley in the middle but it will be tough to replace Bradley’s leadership.