Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard plans to play Sunday, giving Philadelphia's banged-up secondary a lift against Terrell Owens and the Dallas Cowboys.
Sheppard, an All-Pro selection two years ago, has missed three straight games since injuring his ankle during the first series of the season opener.
``I wouldn't put myself in an awkward position,'' Sheppard said after Friday's practice. ``If I wasn't ready, I wouldn't play.''
While Sheppard's return would bolster the defence, the offence could be depleted without wide receiver Donte' Stallworth and running back Brian Westbrook. Neither player practised this week.
Stallworth is listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury that already forced him to miss a game two weeks ago. Westbrook, who is listed as questionable, has been bothered by swelling in his knee all season and sat out last Monday's win over Green Bay.
Both players are integral parts of Philadelphia's high-powered offense. Stallworth has emerged as Donovan McNabb's favorite target in his first season with the Eagles. He has 12 catches for 248 yards and two touchdowns.
``He's making progress,'' coach Andy Reid said.
The versatile Westbrook is Philly's most dangerous threat. He has 256 yards rushing and three TDs, and has 15 receptions for 164 yards and two scores.
``It's literally a day-to-day thing. We'll see how it goes here,'' Reid said.
Backup cornerback Rod Hood also hasn't practised this week and is doubtful. Hood injured his heel in Week 2 when he started in Sheppard's place. He returned the following game, but didn't play against Green Bay.
Without Sheppard and Hood, the Eagles' once-feared secondary has been susceptible against the pass. The Eagles have allowed 244.3 yards per game in the air, 28th in the NFL.
``We've had guys out there who haven't practised all week and have had to play 50 or 60 plays a game,'' defensive co-ordinator Jim Johnson said. ``It's not an excuse, but that's what it is. So, that's probably hurt us more than anything else.
``And a lot of the times when you get a lead, it's harder to maintain that intensity, just like against the 49ers and Giants when we kind of messed up a little bit. But, overall I think we're getting the defence where we want to be and be more consistent.''
