Injured players Shawn Andrews and Victor Abiamiri were medically cleared to practice Wednesday and they participated in a limited fashion.
Andrews, a two-time Pro Bowl guard, practiced Wednesday for the first time since sustaining a back injury in Week 2 at Dallas. After practice, Andrews said that he did some footwork drills. Head coach Andy Reid noted during his press conference that Andrews will not be active for Sunday's divisional playoff game against the Giants.
"We're not going to force anything there or do anything ridiculous," Reid said. "We'll gradually work him in and see how he feels. We'll see what he can do day-to-day."
Andrews underwent surgery on Oct. 21 to correct a herniated disc in his back. Reid said that while Andrews is in great cardio shape, he hasn't lifted or played football in quite some time. Andrews, meanwhile, said that he is at the weight where he wants to be at and is excited to be back on the field with his teammates.
"I'm very excited just to get back out there and be around the guys, get back on the turf," said Andrews. "I'm making big strides and it's a positive thing to be back here."
Reid is not going to rush Andrews back to the field.
"We'll take it one step at a time," said Reid, adding that he has not ruled out the possibility of Andrews playing again this season provided the team's playoff fortunes extend beyond Sunday's game at the Meadowlands.
"I think about it all the time," Andrews said of the potential to contribute to the Eagles' playoff run. "I really try not to stress and get overanxious about anything. I just know where I am right now and I know where I have to get to. I hope to get there as soon as possible."
Meanwhile, the offensive line lost rookie guard Mike McGlynn (torn hamstring), who was placed on Injured Reserve on Wednesday. With McGlynn out, Reid said second-year lineman Winston Justice will be the top reserve guard and tackle for Sunday.
As for Abiamiri, the second-year defensive end could be back in action this week after missing the regular season finale and the wild-card game with a Lis Franc sprain of his foot. In 10 games this season, the reserve has played well against the run and chipped in two sacks among his 22 tackles. He also forced a fumble and was credited with six quarterback hurries.
Three players who will not practice Wednesday include running back Brian Westbrook (knee), right tackle Jon Runyan (knee) and fullback Dan Klecko (shoulder). While Westbrook and Runyan are expected to be ready for Sunday, the status of Klecko remains uncertain. Kyle Eckel will work in place of Klecko in practice.
ROSTER MOVE: With McGlynn put on IR, the team filled the open roster spot by adding cornerback Dimitri Patterson, who recently spent time on the Chiefs practice squad.
