Eagles Notes | Reid optimistic on No. 5's return

Most of the players who could not participate in the Eagles' three-day minicamp because of injuries are expected to be back when the full squad reconvenes for an eight-day camp next month at the NovaCare Complex.

Quarterback Donovan McNabb is the exception.

So how is McNabb progressing as he attempts to return from knee rehabilitation in time for the start of training camp at the end of July?

"He's been throwing once a week and he looks good in that area," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. ". . . The closer we get to camp, he'll be back to full speed. We're expecting him to be able to participate" in training camp.

McNabb attended the Eagles' three-day camp as a spectator but did not conduct any interviews. During an interview with The Inquirer last week, the quarterback admitted that there was still plenty of work to be done before he's ready to take the field.

Though it seems likely that McNabb will be back in time for training camp, he didn't make any guarantees. "They can say anything," he said. "They can say June. They can say July. Everybody can say something different, but you have to know your body and when it's ready."

Reid said he was not concerned about McNabb's missing the minicamps, but he does want the quarterback to start throwing to new receiver Kevin Curtis before the Eagles report to Lehigh.

As for the rest of the injured players, Reid said X-rays of wide receiver Reggie Brown's right knee confirmed that his injury was nothing more than a bruise. Brown missed the final four workouts of this minicamp after colliding with cornerback William James during the first practice Saturday.

Reid said wide receiver-returner Bethel Johnson (leg), defensive tackle Montae Reagor (knee). and offensive tackle William Thomas (knee) would likely be ready for next month's camp. Tight end Matt Schobel sat out yesterday with a sore hamstring, and cornerback Lito Sheppard missed practice because he was sick.

Defensive end

Jevon Kearse,

returning from a severe knee injury that cost him all but two games last season, said he was about 10 pounds lighter than his preferred playing weight, but he's not concerned.

"My weight has never stopped me from doing anything I want to do," Kearse said. "Right about now I'm a little lighter, but I've got two more months before the season starts, so I should be where I want to be."

McNabb's annual online auction began yesterday and will continue through midnight June 13 before being continued at the quarterback's inaugural golf tournament June 15 at the RiverCrest Golf Club in Phoenixville. Safety Brian Dawkins will also host a golf tournament June 24-25 at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem. Dawkins' Burn Prevention Classic will benefit children's fire-safety programs. More information is available by calling Dan Dillard at 610-969-3930.

- Bob Brookover