As the Eagles wrapped up their final full practice before their trip to up the New Jersey Turnpike to face the Giants, two injured starters were out on the field taking reps. DeSean Jackson (foot) and Asante Samuel (knee) have been limited this week, but when the Eagles take the field at the New Giants Stadium, both hope to be among them.
DeSean Jackson, who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game, said that with 48 hours left before game time, he thinks he'll be good to go.
"It's still day by day," Jackson said Friday. "The biggest thing I say is, I can't let my troops go out there and go to war without me. At the end of the day, I've still got two days to get ready, so I should be fine. Practice today, I did some things. It felt pretty good. I've still got two days, so we'll see how it goes."
Jackson was a limited participant at Friday's practice, but head coach Andy Reid said his receiver took the reps he needed to take. According to Jackson, his vertical speed is close to 100 percent, while his lateral movement is still a work-in-progress.
"(It still hurts) side-to-side a little bit," Jackson said, "but straight ahead isn't too bad so as long as I have my long speed I should be all right."
Cornerback Asante Samuel is also listed as questionable for Sunday's game. After participating fully in practice on Wednesday, Samuel was only a limited participant Thursday and Friday. While admitting that he's not 100 percent, Samuel still hopes to play come Sunday afternoon.
"Like I said from the beginning, each day I wake up and it's a better day," Samuel said. "Every day feels better, so I'm just looking forward to tomorrow and the next day. I feel good, though."
Aside from Jackson and Samuel, only Winston Justice's status remains unclear. If Justice can't play, King Dunlap (who took the reps at practice on Friday) will start at right tackle. Linebackers Stewart Bradley and Keenan Clayton have both been ruled out.
-- Posted by Josh Goldman, 3:25 p.m., December 17