After missing last week's win over the New York Giants with separate injuries to his shoulder and hamstring, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin returned to practice Wednesday as a limited participant. Asked if he'll be able to play this Sunday against the New England Patriots, Maclin was hopeful and realistic.

"The goal is to play," he said. "I'm a competitor. I've battled through injuries before, so if I can go out there and play ball, I'll play ball."

Maclin said that the hamstring is the more pressing issue this week because there "are ways around the shoulder." He said the hamstring "felt alright for a while" during practice.

"I've never had a hamstring problem in my life, so it's new to me," he said. "I just know you have to be very careful with these things."

Elsewhere on the Eagles' injury front, quarterback Michael Vick (ribs), wide receiver DeSean Jackson (foot), offensive lineman King Dunlap (concussion) and cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (ankle) all did not practice, while defensive end Brandon Graham, who had experienced some knee swelling recently, was a full participant.

For the New England Patriots, three linebackers did not practice: starter Brandon Spikes (knee) and backups Jeff Tarpinian (illness) and Dane Fletcher (thumb).

Eleven players were listed as limited participants for the Patriots, including notables like center Dan Connolly (groin), tackle Matt Light (ankle), linebacker Gary Guyton (shoulder), cornerback Devin McCourty (shoulder) and wide receiver Wes Welker (knee).