Curtis hurt his knee in late August. In three preseason games, he caught just three passes. He apparently was healthy enough for the season opener, but he dropped two passes against the Panthers and had another drop Sunday against the Saints. In two games, he has caught five passes for 70 yards, but he has not had that liveliness in his step.

"I don't think there is any question that [the injury] is impacting him now," offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said. "However, you can still play at a high level when you're banged up a little bit, and that's what he's trying to do. He's a tough guy. [He] doesn't say much about it."

Curtis wouldn't say how much the injury is impacting his explosiveness. In 2007, his first season in Philadelphia, he led the team with 77 catches for 1,110 yards. Last season, he missed the first six games because of the sports hernia, and his absence opened the door for rookie DeSean Jackson.

If Curtis can't play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs there's a good chance rookie Jeremy Maclin could start.

"When guys can't go full-speed, other guys have stepped up and made the best of the opportunity," said Maclin, who recorded his first two NFL receptions on Sunday. "I got my reps last week and hopefully more this week."

Curtis' injury could also make room for Reggie Brown, who hasn't been activated yet this season.

"I'm not sure whether or not I'm dressing," Brown said. "I'm just going to prepare as if I will."

Vick will play

Coach Andy Reid had said Wednesday that he did not know if Michael Vick would even play against the Chiefs, but Mornhinweg confirmed that the quarterback would be suited up and ready to go.

"He'll play," Mornhinweg said. "How much? We'll see as the week goes on. I think he's in top physical condition. We'll see how he handles the few things that we have in for him."

Vick will make his return to the NFL after a 21/2–year layoff. He was suspended for the first two games of this season and has been reinstated by the league. He is expected to be used strictly in the Eagles' Wildcat package.

Quarterback Donovan McNabb (broken rib) sat out practice again yesterday and appears to be at least one more game away from returning. If he's out, Kevin Kolb will start in his place for the second straight week.

Running back Brian Westbrook (ankle) and Jackson (groin) also missed practice.

Extra points

Special-teams coordinator Ted Daisher said Maclin would return punts if Jackson cannot do so. . . . Despite a costly fumble last week, Ellis Hobbs will still return kicks, Daisher said. Quintin Demps is Hobbs' backup, and the safety also will replace Dimitri Patterson, who broke his hand last week, on special teams. Demps (hamstring) did not practice all the way yesterday. . . . Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson said a pulled groin muscle would keep him out of Sunday's game.

Contact staff writer Jeff McLane at 215-854-4745

or jmclane@phillynews.com.