Winston Justice: Players get bye in different ways

Eagles right tackle Winston Justice is writing a column for the Daily News again this season. His columns appear Wednesdays.

ALTHOUGH we know the bye week is coming, it always remains an unspoken topic of conversation.

It is something that players refuse to address before the last game, as no one wants to jinx the team into a loss. Why? Beyond the obvious of wanting to win, there's always a possibility that if we lose before a bye, Coach will have us come in and practice all week.

So, I would hope that there is that added incentive to win before the bye, to ensure we make the most of some time off. Unfortunately, Tennessee didn't work out that way. We just didn't execute our plays in the second half, which is unacceptable in the NFL.

Any team in the league is capable of mounting a comeback, and it is up to us to put games out of reach when we have the chance, especially against a team as good as the Titans.

In regard to the bye week, we obviously know when the schedule comes out which week it is going to be. However, that doesn't mean much. Coach does not tell us which days we will have off until the Monday after the last game. That means there really is not any time to plan a big trip. But, the benefit of this is it helps us keep our minds focused on football and winning the rest of the season.

The bye week is a little crazy, as you are torn between two things. You want to rest your body, and you know your body needs rest. Yet, at the same time, you want to get into the gym and keep training. So guys either go one of two ways; they either don't do anything all week or they work out every day.

Personally, I tend to lean toward the latter, as I feel too guilty if I don't get into the gym every day. Continuous improvement: If you are not getting better, you're getting worse. But don't get me wrong, if my teammates are sitting home relaxing, I can understand, as sometimes your body does need time to heal.

For the week, I will be in Naples, Fla., training and spending time with my family.

Tomorrow, I plan on paddleboarding in the Gulf of Mexico. Luckily, there are no waves in the Gulf, or a guy my size wouldn't even be able to stand.

I commend your commitment to the football players that will follow in the generations to come, but I do have a question as it pertains to concussions. Since there have been improvements in head gear, notably helmet construction and chin straps designed to lower the chances of head injury due to sudden jarring impacts, why aren't these being worn by all routinely. Why does it take an injury to require a player to wear what is already available, before such an injury occurs? Does the additional bulk or fit feel so drastic that players don't want to change from what they are used to? It would be interesting to hear your response. Play hard, play safe, GO BIRDS!!!! - David Bye

Hey Dave, thanks for writing. I have noticed that many of the guys don't wear the newer helmets. I believe it was last season, when we were given the opportunity to update the "technology" of our helmets. To be honest with you, I don't think anyone knows what the differences are, or how much they could benefit if they actually wear the newer models. But, just like most people, players get set in their ways. Whether it is traditions or superstitions, most guys just don't like change. This is our job, we don't really look at it as dangerous. No one goes out onto the field thinking about head injuries or wondering if they will be hurt that day. You just can't approach the game worrying about anything other than playing your best and winning.

Have a question for Winston? Send your question, along with your name and hometown to

dnsports@phillynews.com. Winston will answer the best questions in upcoming columns.