Stacy Andrews 'a little sore' after testing knee at Eagles minicamp

Stacy Andrews, the free agent signee expected to play right guard next to his brother, guard-turned-tackle Shawn Andrews, took part in some drills yesterday. It was Stacy's most extensive team activity so far, as he recovers from ACL surgery on his right knee.

"I'm a little sore, but that comes along with it," he said. "I'm pretty much just focusing on my technique, not even worrying about the knee. I know it's there, but I'm not worrying about it."

Andrews said he believes his recovery is ahead of schedule, but he could not say for certain whether he will be ready for contact when training camp convenes in late July.

"I'm running full speed, and taking good sets," he said.

Nick Cole continued to work with the first team line at right guard.

Andy Reid lumped Stacy Andrews in with guard Max Jean-Gilles (ankle) and wide receiver Kevin Curtis (sports hernia surgery) as partial participants yesterday. "They got in a few of the 'install' periods and went through a few of the individual periods . . . we'll just gradually bring them back," said Reid, who also said tight end Matt Schobel (ankle) fits into the same category.

Born in Pittsburgh, he settled in Southern California, where he eventually retired from working for FedEx. During DeSean's college career at Cal, Bill was known as an outspoken advocate for his son, most famously when he was interviewed on TV at halftime of a game against Louisiana Tech, and he questioned why his boy wasn't getting the ball more.

"My dad, he only wants the best for me," DeSean told the Daily News shortly after he was drafted last year. "It's hard for me too, when I'm not catching the ball . . . It's not selfish or anything like that, he wants to see his son doing good."

"I like that competition and enthusiasm," Reid said. "It kind of keeps things alive."

Samuel, who nicknamed Jack Ikegwuonu "Iguana" during the first minicamp, yesterday lauded Ikegwuonu after a pass breakup as "my little protege right here."

Samuel rarely speaks with reporters in the locker room, but vowed to do so tomorrow. Mark your calendars. *

Asante Samuel seemed especially vocal yesterday, trading barbs back and forth with offensive foils Jason Avant and Donovan McNabb. Andy Reid said Samuel began to assert himself that way late last season, Samuel's first with the Birds.

Bill Jackson, father of Eagles wideout DeSean Jackson, died May 14 at age 64, from pancreatic cancer.