Cornerback Asante Samuel did not attend Friday's practice but was excused for personal reasons, head coach Andy Reid said Friday. Reid said that Samuel is expected to play Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.
Injury-wise, "everybody practiced," Reid said. Cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who has missed the last three games with a high ankle sprain, has participated in practice all week and will be listed as questionable on the team's injury report.
"Rodgers-Cromartie worked mostly on the scout team but got a few reps with the first group," Reid said.
Quarterback Michael Vick is slated to make his first start in three weeks after missing time because of broken ribs. He's been a full participant in practice all week and impressed Reid with his work on the practice field.
"He came out good," Reid said. "He took every snap, which I thought was important."
Finally, linebacker Casey Matthews will be inserted into the lineup as one of the two nickel linebackers Sunday. It will be his first extended playing time on defense (he's been a member of the goal-line defense), since early in the season when he started in both the middle and weak side.
"Casey's earned the right to get back in there," Reid said. "He's done well in the goal line, he's done well on the scout team and he's done well in the classroom."
