McCoy says Eagles may rely more on ground game against Packers

LeSean McCoy made thousands - millions? - of Eagles fans ecstatic when he said Thursday that the Eagles plan to run the ball more against the Green Bay Packers.

It remains to be seen what coach Andy Reid thinks of his running back's divulgence. Of course, McCoy's candidness could just be part of the cat-and-mouse games opposing teams play against each other before a big showdown.

"I think so," McCoy said when asked if the pass-oriented Eagles intended to rush the ball more. "Going into this game plan, I'm running the ball a little bit more. With [the Packers'] type of defense - a 3-4 - they kind of invite you to run the ball."

There are a host of reasons why running the ball a touch more on Sunday would benefit the Eagles. And, yes, the Packers' run defense - which has allowed a sixth-worst 4.7 average yards per carry - is one of them.

But exposing quarterback Michael Vick, who will be playing with a quadriceps bruise, to fewer hits has to be the primary motive.

"We're going to run it a bit and kind of get him out of that pocket a little bit more," McCoy said. "I think that, with play fakes, will help him out."

Another way to aid Vick would be giving him extra blockers. Over the last half of the season teams have blitzed Vick in every way imaginable. McCoy has been solid in pass protection but had trouble picking up the Vikings' blitz last week.

"We're not really changing much of the [blocking] schemes," McCoy said. "Just fixing it a little."

Despite having the second-highest rushing average per carry (5.2) among the league's top 20 rushers and the most total yards from scrimmage in the NFC, McCoy did not get voted to the Pro Bowl. But he averaged only 13.8 carries per game and had the least amount of totes among the top 16 rushers.

"We have so many playmakers, the pie is so big. Everybody has to get your share," McCoy said.

Herremans still hurt. Todd Herremans injured his calf during Wednesday morning's walk-through and sat out practice.

"He should be fine," Reid said. "He just tweaked it a little bit. I think he'll be OK."

He wasn't the only starting guard to miss Thursday's session. Max Jean-Gilles was held out of practice for the second straight day because of an ankle sprain. With both guards out, backups Reggie Wells and Nick Cole presumably filled in at right and left guard.

Herremans is the only Eagles offensive lineman to start in every game - minus the meaningless season finale - this season.

Jean-Gilles has told reporters over the last two days that he expects to play Sunday.

Extra points. Linebacker Stewart Bradley missed practice again and is a long shot to play. Rookie Jamar Chaney has started at middle linebacker in place of Bradley since he dislocated his elbow last month. . . . Weak-side linebacker Ernie Sims, who had been playing all three downs for most of the season, was taken off the field in nickel situations against the Vikings. Akeem Jordan spelled Sims, although rookie Keenan Clayton could be a candidate to see more time now that he's fully recovered from a hamstring injury. . . . Cornerback Jorrick Calvin and defensive tackle Jeff Owens recently underwent back and knee surgeries.