McNabb Should Be Ready For Training Camp

Barring any setbacks, Donovan McNabb should be ready when the Philadelphia Eagles open training camp in 2½ months.

The five-time Pro Bowl quarterback has rehabbed vigorously since a knee injury ended his season in Week 11 last year. He's running and throwing and is on course for a complete return when players report to camp on July 27.

"He's been throwing once a week, and he looks good in that area," coach Andy Reid said Monday after the team completed its first minicamp. "Progressively, he'll be given more days where he can get out and throw, and he'll continue his rehab. The closer we get to camp, he'll be back to full speed. So, we're expecting him, when camp starts, to be able to participate."

McNabb is spending a lot of time at the team's practice facility, but also will rehab at his home in Arizona part of the summer. He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee last Nov. 19. It was the third time in five years that McNabb's regular season ended in mid-November.

When the Eagles hold their first practice of training camp, it'll be exactly eight months to the day McNabb had reconstructive knee surgery. The season opener at Green Bay on Sept. 9 will be 9½ months post-surgery.

McNabb was having one of the best statistical seasons of his eight-year career before he got injured. He finished with 2,647 yards passing, 18 TDs, six interceptions and a passer rating of 95.5.

The Eagles surprised quite a few people, including McNabb, by picking quarterback Kevin Kolb in the second round with their first selection in last month's NFL draft. However, there is no quarterback controversy. McNabb is the starter for as long as he stays healthy.