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Eagles Notes: Vick, Maclin should be ready against Jets

The Eagles expect to have Michael Vick, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, tackle Todd Herremans, and defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins Sunday against the New York Jets, though they will likely be without defensive end Darryl Tapp.

Jeremy Maclin is expected to play against the Jets. (Sharon Gekoski-Kimmel / Staff File Photo)
Jeremy Maclin is expected to play against the Jets. (Sharon Gekoski-Kimmel / Staff File Photo)Read more

The Eagles expect to have Michael Vick, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, tackle Todd Herremans, and defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins Sunday against the New York Jets, though they will likely be without defensive end Darryl Tapp.

Tapp, who suffered a broken rib last week against the Dolphins, is listed as doubtful and did not practice all week, a strong indication that he won't be able to play.

In his absence, the Eagles would likely give another shot to Phillip Hunt - who notched a sack last week - and would also activate either veteran Juqua Parker or Brandon Graham, last year's No. 1 pick.

Graham, who has played in only two games this season while recovering from knee surgery, hinted this week that coaches might shut him down for the season. He suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament last December and needed microfracture surgery, a procedure that often entails a yearlong recovery.

Coach Andy Reid said Graham is not necessarily done for the year, but wouldn't commit to playing the second-year end this week.

"We'll see how things go in the next couple of days. He's had a good week of practice," Reid said. "He's still alive and going here."

Graham has been inactive three of the past four weeks and dressed but didn't play in another game.

Vick (ribs), who is listed as probable, has said he will play this week. He struggled last Sunday in his return from injury. He was asked if the ribs will feel better this week.

"I can't say. Hopefully they will be a lot better, but I do plan on going out there and giving it everything I've got," Vick said.

Maclin (hamstring) is questionable after playing only a half last week in Miami. He had missed the previous three games, but said he feels far better this week.

"It's a complete difference. I thought I felt pretty good last week, but now I can actually see it and see it on film," he said. "I'm ready to go."

Maclin's health could be crucial as the Eagles face one of the best cornerback tandems in the NFL in Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie.

Jenkins (groin) and Herremans (ankle) are both listed as questionable but have said they plan to play.

One late addition to the injury report was backup quarterback Vince Young, listed as questionable with an ankle injury. He practiced in full all week.

Red-zone battle

The Jets rank sixth in the NFL in scoring, in large part because when they get close to the end zone, they punch the ball in. They score on 71 percent of their trips inside opponents' 20-yard lines, best in the NFL. The Eagles defense, meanwhile, ranks 30th in the red zone.

Wide receiver Plaxico Burress is a big target near the goal line, with seven scores on the season.

"Burress is a big part there, so is their tight end [Dustin Keller]," Reid said. "I'm slighting the running back [Shonn Greene] here on top of that. He's a big factor."

Home, sour home

The Eagles' 1-5 home record, among the worst in the NFL, was a hot topic Friday, especially with the team returning Sunday to the Linc, where they are riding a three-game home losing streak, but players and coaches didn't have much explanation for the negative stat.

"We appreciate the [fan] support, and we're busting our tails to make sure we represent the fans and the city in the right way," Reid said.

Face mask fine

Miami offensive lineman Nate Garner was fined $7,500 for a face mask penalty against the Eagles last week. Garner, who delivered the hit that broke Tapp's rib, was not fined for that play. The league also fined Trent Cole and Joselio Hanson $15,000 each for hits on Dolphins quarterback J.P. Losman.