Jeremy Maclin hurt after Patriots coach Belichick gets in way

Jeremy Maclin signs autographs after an Eagles practice session at Franklin Field. Credit: Charles Mostoller, Metro

Jeremy Maclin made his happy return to contact football in last Friday’s preseason game against the Bears. But it could be back to the sidelines for Maclin against the Patriots this Friday.

Maclin revealed after practice Wednesday morning that he had suffered a mild hamstring pull on a long touchdown grab from Nick Foles.

The speedy wide receiver assured reporters after practice that he would be able to play in preseason game No. 2.

“My left hamstring kind of grabbed on me a little bit so shut it down,” Maclin said. “After the long touchdown pass. Feels all right. So I’m just going to treat it and go from there.”

During the play in question, Maclin had to maneuver a bit to get out of the way of Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who was backpedaling to get away from Maclin and New England cornerback Devin McCourty.

Maclin didn’t make contact with the coach but it appeared to have altered his path.

Though upset with the minor injury, Maclin took the safe route and stopped participating in the practice.

“I wanted to go out there and compete and I just knew that once it happened I was going to shut it down for the rest of the day.”

The Eagles endured steady rain in practice Wednesday in New England, but the conditions only made it more fun for the team.

“Put some galoshes on and go play, I guess basically is it,” Chip Kelly said.

In order to avoid thunderstorms predicted to hit the area in late afternoon, Kelly and Bill Belichick moved practice to 9 a.m. and played through the wet conditions

“Yeah, old school practice today,” right tackle Lane Johnson told CSNPhilly.com. “Went out there, had to weather the elements. It was kind of slick. But I think we did all right.”