Starting middle linebacker Omar Gaither has experienced his fair share of highs and lows during his four seasons in Philadelphia. But he insists the return of veteran Jeremiah Trotter is a good thing.
"With it being Trot, a guy that I respect so much, it just makes it that much easier for me. If it was someone else, then it would be a lot worse," Gaither said Wednesday in his first remarks since the Trotter signing. "I think it will be good for the whole group."
The two players split first-team reps in practice Monday, but it's uncertain how they'll be used Sunday.
"We don't really know how it's going to work out yet," Gaither said. "We'll find out on Sunday."
As a rookie in 2006, Gaither earned rave reviews. A year later, following Trotter's surprising release, Gaither shined as the starter in the middle and appeared to solidify the position. However, he was bumped outside last season in favor of Stewart Bradley.
"It's a gift and a curse, being able to do more than one thing," Gaither said. "I don't want to say it hurt me, but it didn't help me. I always wanted to stay in the middle. But I guess that's just what being versatile does sometimes."
Gaither was replaced at weakside linebacker by Akeem Jordan midway through last season. He entered training camp looking to reclaim the weakside job, but Bradley's season-ending knee injury landed Gaither back in the middle.
With Trotter's return, Gaither's role figures to once again change.
"As much stuff as I've been through, this is just another one of those things," Gaither said. "I was never really given anything, so why should it start now. I just keep playing, keep rolling with the punches."
Head coach Andy Reid said Trotter's added weight (Reid said he was 255) "brings another look that an offense needs to be concerned about."
However, Gaither, "who bounces between 235 and 237 (pounds)," according to Reid, believes the whole weight thing is overrated.
"I think people make more of an issue of it than it should be," he said. "I think you are what you are and you play the way you play. I don't care if you're 280 or 225."
Gaither started all 16 games at middle linebacker in 2007 and posted team highs in tackles (170) and quarterback hurries (14).He also ranked second on the team with 14 knockdowns.
"Coaches see what they see and if they feel like it will be best for the team then I'm down with it," Gaither said. "Trot's my guy. I'd play with Trot all day. It will make me better."
-- Posted by Bob Kent, 5:50 p.m., October 7
