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Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin's practice ended early on Wednesday due to a hamstring injury

(Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass -- The risk and the reward of Eagles receiver Jeremy Maclin played out on one play during Wednesday's practice with the New England Patriots.

Midway through the session, quarterback Nick Foles hit Maclin in the back of the end zone from 40-plus yards out, a play the duo has now made two days in a row. After the touchdown, however, Maclin went to the sideline and did not return for the rest of practice, a sight that has been a common one during training camp.

Speaking to reporters after practice, Maclin revealed that he suffered a left hamstring injury on the play, and decided to sit out the rest of the practice as a precautionary measure.

"It shouldn't be a big deal," Maclin said.

As for Friday's preseason game against the New England Patriots, Maclin said he was not sure if he would play or not, but hoped he would suit up.

"He is still trying to accommodate to everything we do from an offensive standpoint," Kelly said prior to practice. "But everyday you see him get a little bit better and better."

The severity of Maclin's hamstring injury is yet to be determined, but seeing the receiver go down during yet another practice has to be concerning for the Eagles. The team decided to bring Maclin back on a one-year deal despite the fact he missed all of last season with a torn ACL, banking on him to return to the player who lead the team in catches in 2012.

At times during camp, Maclin has flashed signs of still being that player. The touchdown play on Wednesday was a prime example of what he can bring to the offense.

As head coach Chip Kelly likes to say, however, the best ability is durability.

Eliot Shorr-Parks may be reached at eshorrpa@nj.com. Follow him on Twitter @EliotShorrParks. Find NJ.com Sports on Facebook.