MKRob Sports

Asante Samuel volunteered to take the week off.

The Eagles’ well-compensated cornerback did not show up yesterday as the team resumed the full-squad camp that started with four workouts last week.

No direct statement was made by the team about Samuel’s absence, and because this camp is voluntary, the Eagles cannot take any disciplinary action. A team spokesman said coach Andy Reid was disappointed by Samuel’s decision.

Attempts to reach Samuel’s agent, Alonzo Shavers, were unsuccessful.

Although it is not unusual for NFL players to skip voluntary camps, it is typically something that is done by a player who is unhappy with his contract situation. Sheldon Brown, the Eagles’ other projected starter at cornerback, falls into that category. Brown is skipping the entire voluntary eight-day camp.

Samuel, who signed a six-year, $57.14 million deal as a free agent before last season, apparently wants to continue his off-season conditioning at his home in Florida. Given his contract, it is understandable that Reid would be disappointed in Samuel’s decision to abandon the team’s final scheduled workouts before training camp opens late next month.

Things were noticeably quiet without Samuel, who has emerged as the most vocal member of the Eagles’ defense.

With both Brown and Samuel absent, players moved up on the depth chart. Dimitri Patterson saw some action at the left cornerback spot usually occupied by Samuel and Ellis Hobbs ran at right cornerback, which is usually occupied by Brown. Joselio Hanson also played some at left cornerback, but he continued to cover the slot receiver in nickel situations.