According to a report on PhiladelphiaEagles.com, Donovan McNabb (cracked ribs) is still listed as "Doubtful" for this Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. McNabb has missed all of this week's practice so far, although Andy Reid has already stated that the quarterback is "capable of playing and playing well without the benefit of practice." Still, it is looking more and more likely that backup Kevin Kolb will receive his first start as McNabb continues to rehab. The official definition of the "Doubtful" injury label means that there is at least a 75% chance that the player will not play.
Three other Eagles have been listed as "OUT," meaning they will not be taking part in Sunday's game: offensive guard Todd Herremans (stress fracture), free safety Quintin Demps (hamstring strain), and middle linebacker Joe Mays (shoulder sprain). Defensive end Victor Abiamiri is listed as "Questionable" (50-50 chance of playing) after sustaining a groin injury during this week's practice.
To cover the gap at offensive guard, Reid has said that he will rotate three players though the two guard spots: Stacy Andrews, Nick Cole, and Max Jean-Gilles. Andrews has been reported as saying that he will not be starting over Jean-Gilles because he still needs time to improve his comfort with the Eagles' offensive scheme.
Abiamiri's potential loss shouldn't hurt the deep and talented defensive end position. It could also mean that preseason hero Jason Babin might be able to sneak in a regular season rep or two.
The temporary loss of Demps and Mays should not effect the defense much. Omar Gaither and Macho Harris are both performing well as starters and there are far worse backups than Sean Jones and Moise Fokou.