The Eagles announced today that both Jeremy Maclin and Steve Smith practiced for the first time this year today. That Maclin was going to return to practice was a foregone conclusion, but to hear that Smith is back comes as somewhat of a surprise. He has remained positive, as have the Eagles, about his chances to avoid being on the PUP list to start the year. However, coming off knee surgery last year, there was certainly a lot of doubt about that.

But seeing him return to practice is certainly a step in the right direction. If Smith were to play in Thursday's preseason finale against the Jets, that would be an even greater indicator that he could be ready to contribute this year. For his part, Smith still thinks he'll be ready to go week one.

"I think I would be able to. It’s just a matter of what the coaches & what the trainers want me to do, but I’m feeling good, as long as we have no setbacks that’s what I’m shooting for."

As for Maclin, he's perfectly healthy so the focus for him will be to get his fitness level up to the point in needs to be. He's got a little over two weeks for that happen, so you would think it wouldn't be a deal for him to be ready. There's been no word on whether he'll play at all in the final preseason game, but getting him a few series would seem to make some sense.