Injury update: Celek 'feeling a whole lot better'

BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- Tight end Brent Celek, who is recovering from a sprained MCL, was a limited participant in Monday's afternoon practice. It's the first time he worked out in pads since July 27.

"There's no setbacks or anything," Celek said. It's just standard procedure. I'm excited. I'm feeling a whole lot better."

But probably not good enough to play in Thursday night's preseason opener against Pittsburgh.

"I don't know. That's up to them," Celek said. "We'll see."

In other words, expect to see a lot of Clay Harbor, Brett Bracket, Chase Ford and fullback/TE Emil Igwenagu.

Elsewhere, receiver Jeremy Maclin left with cramps. Jamel Hamler left with a hamstring injury. Like Celek, safety Nate Allen (hamstring spasm) and defensive end Trent Cole (shoulder) were limited. Todd Herremans (shoulder) returned to practice. Cornerback Cliff Harris (ankle) did not practice.

In addition to the blitz pickup drill (see story), there were other highlights from practice (11-on-11s and 7-on-7s).

Mike Kafka hit receiver Marvin McNutt for a 25-yard gain down the sideline. McNutt made the catch with safety Tom Nelson bearing down on him. Kafka later showed nice touch on a pass to a leaping McNutt down the other sideline.

There weren't many offensive highlights, however.

Rookie Mardy Gilyard had a drop. Trevard Lindley and Kurt Coleman each had a pair of picks. Coleman could have leveled DeSean Jackson on a slant but held up, earning a thank-you high-five moments later.

Kafka threw a pass to McKay Jacobson that was deflected by rookie cornerback Brandon Boykin into the arms of cornerback Brandon Hughes. On one series, the first-team offense committed two straight false start penalties.