Asante Samuel, Juqua Parker Return to Practice From Injury; 'Ready to Go'

Filed under: Eagles, NFC East, NFL Injuries

The Philadelphia Eagles were back at practice on Wednesday after a five-day break and they were quite happy that Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel (knee) and defensive end Juqua Parker (hip) were back in the saddle after missing the past two games.

"I think they're ready to go," said coach Andy Reid, whose team won three of four games in 18 days before the well-earned respite and share the NFC East lead with the New York Giants at 8-4. "They feel good and we'll just see how they do in practice. ... When they weren't in the defense, I expected the guys that stepped in for them (cornerback Joselio Hanson and rookie end Brandon Graham) and to do a good job and they did that.

"I'll also say that they're a big part of our defense. Both of them have great personalities and they're both veteran players and they've had success in this league. I welcome these guys back."

However, Philadelphia's offense was minus right tackle Winston Justice, at least on Wednesday, with a hyper-extended knee. Justice said that he expects to return to the field this week and start Sunday at Dallas.

"In my mind I'm telling myself yes because I think with injuries it starts with your mind first," he said of getting on the field on Thursday. "Maybe it's more mental because it feels unstable and the brace (helps) me feel like it's more stable."

If Justice can't make it back, King Dunlap, who filled in for two games while Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters was hurt, would get the call.

"We have full confidence in King," Reid said.

The Eagles' final four games are against hot teams -- two with the Cowboys (winners of three of four under interim coach Jason Garrett) and one each with the Giants (winners of two in a row) and the Minnesota Vikings (winners of two straight under interim coach Leslie Frazier), but the mood was certainly upbeat on Wednesday in Philadelphia.

"We're fired up, ready to get out there and be sharp," said quarterback Michael Vick, who was eclipsed by New England's Tom Brady as the NFL's leader in passer rating over the weekend.

 

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