Mike Wallace Inches Closer to a Return

PHILADELPHIA (973espn.com) - Mike Wallace is running again but the veteran receiver known for his deep speed is still not quite ready to help the Eagles' offense.

"I can run, but I’m not myself yet," Wallace told reporters Wednesday.

Wallace is trying to return from a broken fibula suffered in Week 2 against Tampa Bay on Sept. 16, what has been described as a three-month injury, a timetable that could put Wallace in play for the Eagles in Los Angeles against the high-powered Rams on Dec. 16.

"I guess it was like a 12-week injury. We're right about at week 12," Wallace surmised. "It’s healed. It’s just about getting back in shape, getting in and out of breaks."

On paper Wallace's top trait as a player -- sub 4.4 speed -- is the one thing missing from the Philadelphia offensive arsenal, which simply doesn't have a deep threat to stretch the field or pop the top on opposing defenses. Having that presence could make things easier for the intermediate receivers and further help the screen game which has taken off a bit in recent weeks.

"I'm getting stronger every day, running more," Wallace explained. "Obviously I'm not where I want to be yet, but every single week I make big jumps. Every single week they give me a task, and for the most part I complete them, jumping those hurdles every single time, and there have been no setbacks or anything like that."

-John McMullen covers the Eagles and the NFL for 973espn.com. You can reach him at jmcmullen44@gmail.com or on Twitter @JFMcMullen