McNabb Will Start Sunday

Any questions about Eagles Donovan McNabb stepping back into the starting role were answered Wednesday.

McNabb will start Sunday as the Eagles host the Buccaneers, ESPN reported.

"It's sort of like I'm starting the season back over again," said McNabb

D-Mac was hurt in the Eagles opener against Carolina when he broke a rib while diving into the end zone for a score.

Backup Kevin Kolb stepped in for McNabb and lead the Birds to a 1-1 record in two starts.

Kolb’s impressive stats -- 55 for 85 (64.7-percent completion percentage), 728 yards, four TDs and three interceptions in two starts -- made it possible that Head Coach Andy Reid would want to stick with the hot hand.

But, McNabb was the starter and will remain the starter Reid confirmed.

McNabb was back at practice Wednesday and also said he would start against the Bucs. He expects to wear a protective jacket against Tampa, he said Wednesday.

D-Mac might play but it seemed that he won't be 100-percent. He still felt some discomfort when he laughed, coughed or slept on his side, he said. He doesn't expect to be fully recovered for another two to four weeks.

Now, let's see what happens if McNabb happens to throw a few passes into the ground Sunday at the Linc. How long will it take for the "We Want Kolb" chants to begin?

Running back Brian Westbrook also should be able to play on Sunday, Reid said. Westbrook sat out the Eagles' last game with a knee injury.

The only player not to practice Wednesday was offensive lineman Todd Herremans who was trying to come back from a foot problem.