Eagles may go with Young and Cooper vs. Giants

It doesn't look promising for Michael Vick or Jeremy Maclin's availability Sunday. Both sat out practice Thursday and did not stay to watch the entire session.

Instead, the Eagles are preparing to replace their franchise quarterback and leading wide receiver with two players carrying zeros in their most important statistical columns.

Vince Young, who has taken all of the first-team snaps in practice, according to teammates, has only one pass attempt with no completions this year. If he gets the nod Sunday, it will be his first start in a year.

Riley Cooper, who would fill in for Maclin, has yet to make a reception.

Though the team has not ruled out Vick (broken ribs) or Maclin (shoulder and hamstring injuries), all signs point to the Eagles' depending on two players who have been stuck behind more high-profile teammates.

"I haven't got a whole lot of opportunities this year, but like I always say, we've got so many weapons on our team at the receiver position, I'm not mad about it," Cooper said. "Everyone's time comes. Hopefully, this is mine."

Cooper had been used sparingly before Sunday, when he saw more time because of DeSean Jackson's benching. He's been targeted for passes only three times this season: twice on Sunday and once the week before.

He would step in for Maclin, who leads the team in receptions (46) and receiving yards (612) and has been its primary receiving target in the red zone.

On a team with two star-quality wide receivers, an established slot man, and a big investment in Steve Smith, Cooper has played mostly on special teams.

"Opportunity has held him back," offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said. "He's made a big jump there in training camp and those first few weeks of the season."

Jason Avant, too, could start, but he is primarily a slot receiver, while Cooper plays on the outside.

Young has played three snaps this season, scrambling on one, throwing an interception on his only pass attempt, and handing off to LeSean McCoy on his one play Sunday.

"It's always good to get reps, definitely working with a new offense it helps you [to] know where your eyes are at and your timing," Young said after practice.

His last start was Nov. 20, 2010. But Young said the game isn't about a former star reclaiming past glories.

"It's not even about me; it's about the team," he said. "I just want to go out there and lead the guys to victory."

Mornhinweg said that he's "always optimistic" about Vick and that Maclin is a fast healer. If there is any way Vick can function as a quarterback, the Eagles want him in the game. Each player has been around long enough to start with little practice.

But their not having practiced at all indicates that they would have to make rapid progress to be available Sunday.

Entering the season, it was hard to imagine the Eagles' being short on offensive weapons. But if Vick and Maclin can't play, the team would be relying on DeSean Jackson, who has not been himself on the field; Smith, who has produced little; Avant, who has just three catches the last two weeks; and McCoy and tight end Brent Celek, who have produced.

"Games like this, where guys need to step up, they step up and make plays," McCoy said.

For Cooper and Young, it could be their first big chances to do so.