Eagles Notes: More changes on Eagles line with Danny Watkins' return

Danny Watkins returned to practice Wednesday, which meant another shuffling of the Eagles offensive line.

With Watkins back at right guard, Dennis Kelly slid to right tackle and King Dunlap switched sides and replaced Demetress Bell at left tackle.

Watkins missed the last three games with an ankle injury. Coach Andy Reid had said that the injury was "chronic" and that the offensive lineman was having trouble moving laterally. Before practice, Watkins said he expected to be ready for Sunday's game at Washington.

Watkins was listed as a full participant in practice, but he said afterward that he still felt some discomfort. If Watkins cannot play, Kelly could go back to right guard or the Eagles could start the newly acquired Jake Scott.

The Eagles signed Scott on Monday. The nine-year veteran has not been with a team all season. Scott said that he had spoken to teams since he became a free agent in March but that he was waiting for the right opportunity.

"I was picky in the situation," Scott said. "I wanted it to be somewhere where I could come in and have a chance to play."

That opportunity could come in three days. Scott, 31, has 121 career starts, 117 at right guard. He played his first four seasons with the Colts when Eagles offensive line coach Howard Mudd was there. He played the next four in Tennessee. Scott did not miss a start for seven seasons and played every snap in 2011.

"We'll see how he does," Reid said. "We'll get him in, and he played in this offense in college. Then, he knows Howard's technique, obviously, so he can work in."

Scott, 6-foot-5 and 295 pounds, said he stayed in shape working out in Nashville for the last several months. Even though he said he's not in football shape and still has to learn the Eagles offense, Scott said he'll "be ready for this Sunday if they need me."

Jeremy Maclin practiced Wednesday and said he planned to play Sunday after suffering a lower-back strain in the loss to Dallas.

Reid was a little less optimistic before practice. He said that Maclin was "making progress" and that he "might be able to do some things" at practice. The wide receiver was listed as a full participant, although the Eagles did not wear full pads.

Maclin injured his back when he was undercut jumping for a pass in the first quarter of Sunday's game. He left briefly but returned and finished with eight catches for 93 yards and a touchdown.

The Eagles already were down one receiver. Reid said that Jason Avant (hamstring) would not play against the Redskins. With Avant out, Riley Cooper will be the third receiver. Cooper caught two passes for 24 yards and a touchdown against the Cowboys.

If Maclin plays, he can rotate in the slot with DeSean Jackson and Cooper.

Running back Chris Polk (toe) was listed as out for Sunday's game. . . . Wide receiver Mardy Gilyard (hamstring) did not practice.