Reich says Brandon Brooks shouldn't rush back, but...

Brandon Brooks, the guard the Eagles gave a five-year, $40 million free agent contract to, is expected to return from a hamstring pull later this week. Brooks hasn't practiced with his new team yet in this training camp. (Running back Ryan Mathews also is expected back late in the week from an ankle injury.)

Offensive coordinator Frank Reich agreed Monday that it would be good to get what the team envisions as its starting offensive line on the field as soon as possible. Reich also knows hamstrings can linger and recur, if you don't let them heal all the way.

"Offensive line is probably the one area -- I mean, every area, but certainly they've got to gel together. And they're in pads now, so you want them out there," Reich said. "But the last thing I would say to Brandon is -- I wouldn't want him to rush. You don't want him to rush it, because we need him for the long haul. So, you don't want to do anything stupid. You've got to be patient, trust the trainers, trust Brandon. But certainly you don't like to miss any time."

Stefen Wisniewski, a cheaper free-agent signee (one year, $1.51 million has moved in deftly at Brooks' right guard spot, but in the long run, all that might be doing is keeping Wisniewski from competing at the spot where he really has a chance to start, left guard, manned by Allen Barbre.

Third-round rookie Isaac Seumalo, also projected into the left guard mix, missed most of the spring work because Oregon State was on the quarter system, and so far, Seumalo seems to be getting manhandled. It's tough to come in behind everyone both in learning the techniques and in physical sharpness.

Asked about Wisniewski, Reich said: "Wisniewski's looked great. I mean, he's really looked good. He's incredibly smart. He's very stout. Yeah, he's been -- I don't want to say a surprise. That's why we signed him. But he's met and exceeded expectations."