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Eagles Notes: Jackson: We know contracts will come

The wideout, who has one year left with the Eagles, has thrived with Michael Vick at quarterback.

DeSean Jackson addressed the biggest question in Philadelphia sports on Thursday: What happens to him and Michael Vick after this season?

When asked what the explosive duo could do in their years together if both got contract extensions, Jackson laughed and said: "We're looking for them contracts."

"We know the contracts will come. We're just so focused on playing right now, and the better we do, the better it is for both of us," Jackson said.

Jackson, who has one year left on his first pro contract, and Vick could fuel the Eagles' offense for years if they stay in Philadelphia. He was asked if he sees them together in green.

"Hopefully, everything will stay the same, but who knows how them things will turn out?" Jackson said.

Vick is in the last year of his deal, while Jackson, a second-round draft pick in 2008, has in the past talked about getting a contract that reflects his status as an elite wide receiver. This season, though, he has avoided the topic.

He and Vick have thrived together, in part because the quarterback's powerful arm lets Jackson take full advantage of his speed.

"In my career, there hasn't been too many quarterbacks that could really get the ball to me without me having to slow down or wait for the ball. He's one of the few quarterbacks that's ever put it out there and let me run and go get it. So any time you have that, it just makes it a lot more easy, especially with my speed," Jackson said.

Hobbs returns? Cornerback Ellis Hobbs has been back in practice this week. His starting job on defense now belongs to Dimitri Patterson, but Hobbs might open the game as a kick returner.

"If Ellis' time [on defense] is reduced to some extent I'm sure there's a greater probability he'll be our returner," said special-teams coordinator Bobby April. He said the decision lies with coach Andy Reid but added, "I think there's a very good chance he could return."

Running back Jerome Harrison also has been practicing as a returner. Jorrick Calvin has been handling punt and kick returns, but he had a fumble and a muff against the Redskins, and a costly fumble against the Titans.

Big block. Rookie tight end Clay Harbor got the play call on Sunday and had a full day for nerves to set in.

On the first play of Monday night's game against the Redskins, he would be blocking pass-rush specialist Brian Orakpo as the Eagles rolled out Michael Vick on a play designed to create a quick-strike touchdown.

"I was a little surprised when I saw the play drawn up, because I knew I would be one-on-one," Harbor said. He was especially surprised because the tight end hadn't played since Week 1 because he had to work on his blocking.

When Harbor got the play script Sunday, he had a long night to think about the first one.

"I thought about it a lot," he said. "It's the first play of the game, it's the first play back since Week 1, so I tried not to over-think it. But, I mean, you still play the different things that are going to happen, the different scenarios that can happen, what they're going to give you in your head."

Harbor said he showed footwork as if it was a run play, leaving a gap for Orakpo to race into. Then he pounced, pinning Orakpo inside while Vick rolled outside.

"I've been playing wide receiver since fourth grade, and that comes pretty naturally to me, and I'm comfortable with that. I've been catching balls my whole life, but blocking has been something I never did," Harbor said.

Monday, he said, he got his hands on Orakpo, kept him in place and let go late so he wouldn't get called for holding. The result: an 88-yard touchdown.

"Coach [Marty] Mornhinweg gave me a big five and a pat on the butt," Harbor said.

Extra points. Running back LeSean McCoy (shoulder) was limited in practice Thursday. Defensive end Juqua Parker (hip) was out. . . . Defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said linebacker Ernie Sims has become more comfortable with the Eagles' defense and has "come on" in the last few weeks.