Reports of LeSean McCoys demise were premature.
McCoy hurt his ankle during the third quarter of the Eagles 20-7 winover the Cowboys Saturday in Dallas, and after the game he spoke abouthis disappointment of not breaking Wilbert Montgomerys franchisesingle-season rushing record of 1,512 yards, set in 1979.
Montgomery is probably smiling right now because I didnt get therecord, McCoy said in the visiting locker room at Cowboys Stadium.Ill get it next year, hopefully.
Some apparently interpreted McCoys remarks -- and his use of the pasttense -- as evidence that the ankle injury would keep him out of theEagles season finale Sunday at the Linc against the Redskins.
But thats not the case. McCoy was only saying that with only 35 yardsagainst Dallas, he had come to terms that he would likely fall short ofMontgomerys record, since he now needs 204 yards to pass Montomgery.
In actuality, McCoy has been diagnosed with only a slight ankle sprainand barring a major setback at practice during the week will be on thefield without restrictions when the Eagles and Redskins meet at 1 p.m.
I know there was something put out there that he wasnt going to play, but thats not the case, Reid said. Hell be fine.
NFL
McCoy has 1,309 rushing yards this year, fifth-most in Eagles historybehind Montgomery in 1979, Ricky Watters in 1996 (1,411), Montgomery in1981 (1,402) and Brian Westbrook in 2007 (1,333).
McCoy does have a few things to shoot for. He leads the NFL with 20touchdowns and has a four-TD lead over New Englands Rob Gronkowski. Healso has a three-TD lead over Cam Newton for the rushing TD title.
One more touchdown will give McCoy 21 this year, which would match the15th-most in a season in NFL history. Two more would move him into 12thplace.
Safety Kurt Coleman, who left the game Saturday with a sling on hisarm, is scheduled to have an MRI Tuesday to further diagnose what Reidis calling a biceps strain, and Asante Samuel is still hobbled with hissore hamstring. Theres a good chance neither one will be able to playSunday.
Also on the Week 17 injury report, Brian Rolle (slight ankle sprain) and Trevor Laws (knee tendinitis).
Coaches will coach, players will play
Reid said he plans to play Michael Vick and the rest of his startersSunday and said theres no reason to rest anybody, even though the gamehas no playoff implications.
This is what we do as coaches, this is what the players do as players,this is their profession, Reid said. So to say somethingsmeaningless, I dont think thats right. I think its an opportunity toplay another game against a good football team and make yourself betteras a team and as an individual and thats what you do.
No ringing endorsement for DeSean
Reid was given an opportunity to say hed like to have DeSean Jackson back in 2012, but he really avoided the question.
Jackson said after the game he hopes his contract situation can beworked out and said he definitely wants to return to Philly in 2012for a fifth season.
Reid did not sound as enthusiastic.
Well listen, the last how many games hes done a heck of a job, Reidsaid. Hes playing very good football right now. Im proud of him forthat.
E-mail Reuben Frank at rfrank@comcastsportsnet.com.