PHILADELPHIA – The Eagles’ preparation for Monday night’s game against the Giants got off to a somber start yesterday when the players were informed defensive line coach Tommy Brasher underwent surgery on Wednesday to remove a cancerous tumor from one of his salivary glands.
“The success the D-line has had the last two years is a direct result of his coaching,” said Eagles DE Brandon Whiting. “I can’t say enough about him. I know Tommy’s strong and he can get through this. We have faith in him.”
Brasher, 60, discovered a lump behind his ear last week. He had an MRI and a biopsy conducted on Friday and was diagnosed on Tuesday. On Wednesday, he underwent six hours of surgery to remove the entire salivary gland. Eagles trainer Rick Burkholder said doctors are optimistic they got all the “high-grade” cancer, but a better prognosis won’t be known for about two weeks. Dave Toub, the Eagles special teams coach, will assume Brasher’s duties until his return.