Riley Cooper has returned to the Philadelphia Eagles after taking a hiatus to receive outside counseling. Cooper's start to the 2013 season has been covered in controversy after a video emerged of him using a racial slur at a Kenny Chesney concert. The wide receiver has released multiple apologies, but many were left believing his days as an Eagle were numbered. However, now back in the swing of things, Chip Kelly believes Cooper will stay with the team.
After missing three practices, Cooper returned for a joint practice with the New England Patriots and looked as if he did not miss anytime. Many reported that Cooper looked strong and focused on the plays over everything else. The wide receiver continues to mend fences with teammates and the front office.
"I told them, 'I don't want you to forgive me because that puts the burden on you,'" Cooper said. "I want it all on me. I told them that and I told them I apologize. I realize how many people I've hurt, how many families I've hurt, how many kids I've hurt. That's what we talked about, the severity of it, and I completely realize that and I take full responsibility for it."
There had been plenty speculation over the past week that Cooper would eventually get released from the team. After Jeremy Maclin went down with an ACL tear, Cooper was going to play a larger part in the offense, but after the incident he was viewed more as expendable. Kelly does not see the team cutting ties with Cooper and instead is continuing on with the plan of him being more active in the offense.
"I don't see that happening after talking to our players. I think our players understand the situation and are working with him to make sure they get a better understanding about the whole situation," Kelly said.
The Eagles do not want another team to swoop up Cooper and in his first practice back, they gave him plenty of reps with the first-team offense alongside DeSean Jackson. During 11-on-11 drills, he caught three long passes from Michael Vick and Nick Foles, two going for touchdowns.
"It felt good to be out there with the guys, catching and running, making some plays and them coming up to you, supporting you, high-fiving you, chest-bumping you like Jason Avant did in the end zone when I had that TD," Cooper said.
The fact that the Eagles have no plans on letting go of Cooper could be a result of losing Arrelious Benn to an ACL tear. While the former Tampa Bay receiver was not going to be huge part in the offense, it is one less player on the depth chart. Now, Jackson, Cooper and undrafted rookie Russell Shepard are getting the majority of the work load.