Eagles Notes | Hobbled Andrews is back in camp

BETHLEHEM, Pa. -

Shawn Andrews

returned to training camp with some extra equipment yesterday.

Crutches and a walking boot, however, aren't tools of the trade that normally signal a speedy return to the playing field.

Andrews, sidelined since Sunday by what was initially described as a sprained right ankle, visited team physician Peter DeLuca and an ankle specialist Wednesday back in Philadelphia.

"His right ankle, the same ankle which was surgically repaired during his rookie season, will continue to be monitored and evaluated over the next several days," Eagles coach Andy Reid said in a statement released by the team. "He will rest it during that time with the use of a walking boot and crutches."

Andrews underwent surgery in 2004 after he fractured his right leg in the Eagles' season opener against the New York Giants. The injury cost him the remainder of his rookie season. He is coming off the best season of his young career, having been named an NFC Pro Bowl starter and an all-pro by a number of publications.

The Eagles' offensive line is considered among the team's greatest strengths heading into the 2007 season, but losing Andrews would be a significant hit.

That said, the Eagles feel they have outstanding depth at guard. Scott Young is the most likely to be in the starting lineup Monday night when the Eagles play their exhibition opener against the Baltimore Ravens.

Center Nick Cole, who played guard in college at New Mexico State, also took reps with the first team at right guard yesterday, and the Eagles have been happy with the progress of Max Jean-Gilles, who has slimmed down considerably since last season.

"I think all three of them could step into a game and play," Reid said. "We know Scott Young can, and we know Nick can do it at center, so there's no reason he couldn't do it as guard."

Reid said Young earned the job as the top backup guard last season based on what he did in training camp and the preseason.

"He was just playing well," Reid said. "He had proven himself. Now Max has gone through a little bit of a chance. He was a little bit bigger and not quite in as good a shape. He came back in good shape, and it has helped him. It has helped his foot speed."

Quarterback

Donovan McNabb

said he wanted to play Monday against the Ravens but didn't sound as if he'd be heartbroken if Reid opted to keep him out of the game.

"I would love to play," he said. "Is it the right time? We'll communicate about that. But I will be stepping out there at some time throughout the preseason. I look forward to that opportunity."

Jeremy Bloom

is likely to handle most of the punt- and kick-return duties against the Ravens, but special-teams coach

Rory Segrest

left the door open for wide receivers

Greg Lewis

or

J.J. Outlaw

to get a chance on kick returns. . . . Former Buffalo Bills wide receiver

Andre Reed

watched the morning practice from the sidelines yesterday, then had an extensive conversation with Reid afterward.

"Kevin Curtis

is a big addition for them," Reed said.

"Reggie Brown

has already established that he's a good receiver. The main thing for Reggie is that he has to approach each game with the mentality that he's the No. 1 receiver, and he's going to be facing No. 1 defensive backs every week. He's got the talent; he needs to have that approach mentally."