After an overall unsatisfactory performance in pass protection Friday night, the offensive line got a boost on Sunday when Jamaal Jackson took the next step in his recovery from a torn ACL last December. Jackson participated in team drills for the first time and although he showed a little rust, the indications are becoming more and more positive that Jackson could be on the field for the season opener on September 12.
"He worked ones and got in there and had a couple snaps that were just a little bit off and we'll get that worked out," head coach Andy Reid said after practice. "We're going to work him in there with the ones and let him get some reps and see how he feels and push him a little bit there and see how he responds. He says he feels well and the doctors have given him the clear, so we'll give him a little work."
Reid said he's unsure as to whether Jackson will play Thursday night against the New York Jets in the preseason finale, but he did say he'll likely rest the starters and let the second- and third-team offense and defense play the full game.
One player who will get a lot of work Thursday night is Macho Harris, back at free safety - where he was the opening day starter in 2009 - after an off-season spent mostly at cornerback.
"He's competing for a spot (at free safety)," said Reid of Harris. "A little bit (of the reason for the move back) was I felt comfortable with (Trevard) Lindley - he did a nice job. I think Macho's a good safety, that's where he started for us last year. And he can also help you out in nickel situations."
On the injury front, wide receiver DeSean Jackson was not at practice after suffering an upper back strain Friday night against the Kansas City Chiefs. He's also getting his wisdom teeth taken out tomorrow. Todd Herremans also did not practice with a slight ankle sprain on his off-surgical foot. Other players who did not practice include Trent Cole (sprained ankle), Dimitri Patterson (groin strain), Victor Abiamiri (knee) and Ernie Sims (forearm strain). Rookie defensive end Ricky Sapp injured his knee during practice and will have an MRI.
On the positive side, Nick Cole, Juqua Parker, Cornelius Ingram and David Pender all returned to practice. Cole was not a full participant, but he did spend time working with the first-team offense at right guard.
-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 4:01 p.m., August 29
