McNabb doubtful for Sunday
Kevin Kolb is expected to get his second straight start
at quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles this weekend
against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Donovan McNabb could have a sideline view for Michael Vick’s debut.
McNabb is doubtful to play Sunday when the Philadelphia Eagles host Kansas City because of a broken rib. Kevin Kolb will make his second straight start if McNabb can’t go. No matter who’s under center, Vick will play his first regular-season game in 33 months.
“We put some things in for him,” coach Andy Reid said Friday. “He will be up and we’ll go from there.”
Vick is expected to run Philadelphia’s version of the wildcat offence. He might take a few snaps at quarterback and line up as a receiver or running back.
McNabb, injured in the season opener at Carolina, missed last Sunday’s 48-22 loss to New Orleans. He didn’t practise this week and it’s likely he’ll be held out against the Chiefs (0-2). Philadelphia has a bye next week, which would allow McNabb extra time to heal.
“He has continued to improve,” Reid said. “He’s done a little more throwing inside. We’ll see how he does up until game day.”
If McNabb doesn’t play, the Eagles might keep three quarterbacks active and have Jeff Garcia be the backup. Kolb made his first NFL start against the Saints, throwing for 391 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.
McNabb may be joined on the sideline by running back Brian Westbrook (ankle) and wide receiver Kevin Curtis (knee). Westbrook is questionable and Curtis is doubtful. Rookie LeSean McCoy would take Westbrook’s spot and rookie Jeremy Maclin would start for Curtis.
Reid confirmed the Eagles worked out four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Jeremiah Trotter on Thursday. Trotter hasn’t played since 2007 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The 32-year-old Trotter was an outstanding player during two stints with the Eagles, but knee problems curtailed his career.
“I just wanted to see where he was at. I wanted to see him move around a little bit, which I thought he did a good job with,” Reid said. “I haven’t made any decisions on it. I think he felt a little better physically than he did last time when he was here.”
The Eagles also have interest in former starting right tackle Jon Runyan, who remains unsigned after having offseason knee surgery. Runyan worked out for the team two weeks ago.
“I thought Jon did a nice job when he was in,” Reid said. “I want to keep everything open and evaluate.”
The Eagles have been hit hard by injuries early on. They lost starting middle linebacker Stewart Bradley (knee), right tackle Shawn Andrews (back) and rookie tight end Cornelius Ingram (knee) for the season. Left guard Todd Herremans (foot) will miss his third straight game, and right guard Stacy Andrews (knee) isn’t ready to start.
