Eagles Notes: Demps may return kickoffs for Eagles

If the Eagles think Quintin Demps' ankle is sound enough for the safety to return kicks, then the job is his once again.

But if Demps isn't healthy enough to return kicks - which is likely - it appears as if Jeremy Maclin has supplanted Macho Harris as next in line. Harris fumbled twice Sunday against Denver, with one lost fumble leading to a Broncos touchdown.

"I hope I get in there," Harris said. "But right now it's Maclin."

On Thursday, Eagles special-teams coordinator Ted Daisher said that Harris would be the backup against Dallas tomorrow. Harris also is expected to start at free safety.

The Eagles have scrambled to find a replacement at kick returner since Ellis Hobbs was lost for the season with a neck injury in the first meeting against Dallas. Demps, who was the returner last season, would have been the guy full-time, but he has battled various injuries. Maclin was given the first shot, but he was ineffective, so Harris stepped in.

Harris averaged 20.7 yards on 19 returns, but the two fumbles were a concern. On his six returns, Maclin averaged 17.8 yards an attempt.

Demps did not play last week but was listed as probable for tomorrow's game. Demps said again yesterday that he expects to be able to return kicks. Eagles coach Andy Reid was asked whether an active Demps could indeed be the team's kick returner.

"He might be able to," Reid said. "We'll see how he does here."

Michael Vick probably will be active and listed as the backup quarterback after missing last week's game with a quad contusion.

Vick practiced the last two days and said he should be nearly 100 percent healthy by tomorrow.

"I feel a lot better," he said. "I feel like I made a lot of progress during the week. We're getting there and working hard every day to get back."

Vick was uncertain whether he would be able to run his usual amount of plays. Reid said he expects to have Vick available, but he would not say for how much.

"We have a couple of things in for him," Reid said. "I look forward to getting him back in there and playing."

Reid had no injuries to report after everyone who is banged up participated fully in practice yesterday.

Reid said he was pleased with the cohesiveness of the makeshift offensive line during practice this week.

"They looked like they did a good job," he said. "It will be a great challenge for them this week. As far as execution of what we're trying to get done out there, they did a good job with it."

During practice yesterday, the Eagles pumped in some crowd noise to simulate the atmosphere at new Cowboys Stadium. That also allowed new center Nick Cole a chance to work on the silent count.

Max Jean-Gilles, who slides into the starting spot at right guard vacated by Cole, said he is feeling comfortable.

"I got reps. I know what I'm doing," he said. "We have to adjust with everybody. Everything is going well."

Under Reid, the Eagles are 6-5 in the first matchup against the Cowboys and 8-2 in the second. When informed of the stat, Reid was impressed but called it a likely coincidence. "I'm going to go look at that right now, though," he joked. . . . Reid said he hasn't asked any other coaches about what it's like playing in Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys have drawn an NFL-high average attendance of 88,204 to the new stadium. "I'm sure it's not the full effect until you get down there," Reid said, "but it's really about the game and playing it, so as much as you can you put that out of your mind."