Eagles Notes: Fullback battle important for Eagles

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - One of the less-talked-about competitions that figure to take place during summer training camp is at fullback, where the Eagles are trying to replace Thomas Tapeh, who is now with the Vikings, with someone who also can be a major contributor on special teams.

"You worry about that position a little bit because it's such a physical position," coach Andy Reid said after the morning workout yesterday. "We've got three guys in there that we feel can compete against each other, and we'll see how they do with it."

The competitors: Luke Lawton, a third-year veteran acquired in a trade from Indianapolis last month; Jason Davis, a third-year player who has never played in an NFL game; and Jed Collins, an undrafted rookie from Washington State.

Because he has played in 15 games with the New York Jets and the Colts, Lawton is the favorite to win the job, but it's definitely an open competition.

Reid knows what he's looking for from his fullback.

"You've got to be a good blocker in both the run game and the pass game," the coach said. "And then you've got to be able to catch the football. We ask that position to do that. The more versatile you are, the better off it is. And special teams is a big part of that. Your tight ends and fullbacks have to be a part of your special teams. This past year, we got more production out of our wide receivers [on special teams] than we did our tight ends and our fullback position."

That's as close as you'll ever hear Reid come to taking a swipe at a player. Tapeh, for the record, did not play on special teams, which is almost unheard of for a fullback in the NFL.

The 30 rules

Reid faced more interrogation on his new "30-plus club," designed to give days off to older players during camp.

Reid said only players 30 or older would qualify, which means running back Brian Westbrook, 28, can't be a part of the club. Fellow running back Correll Buckhalter, 29, is a little more than three months from qualifying.

"I'll keep it to the guys who are 30 years old and above," Reid said. "It's a nice little reward for them. Then I'll just monitor the other guys."

He said that quarterback Donovan McNabb would be part of the club, but that A.J. Feeley will not, even though he's 31.

"A.J. understands," Reid said.

He was asked whether members of the club could practice even if they were scheduled to be off that day.

"I don't think they're going to do that," he said. "But if they did, I'd probably let them practice."

Extra points

Rookie defensive linemen Trevor Laws and Bryan Smith were on the practice field yesterday, but they were doing football-related rehabilitation work. Laws has a foot injury and Smith a hamstring injury. Reid said he didn't think the missed practice time would hinder the two rookies because they still were in camp and attending meetings.

- Bob Brookover