Eagels Notes: McCoy Ready to Go, Eagles Will Have Their Hands Full With DeMarcus Ware

The Eagles haven't really been a healthy football team in 2012 and that won't change on Sunday verse Dallas.

Head coach Andy Reid team will be without the services of return man Mardy Gilyard, special teams ace Chris Polk and right guard Danny Watkins in addition to missing left tackle Jason Peters (most likely), center Jason Kelce and right tackle Todd Herremans for the rest of the season

Listen to former Eagles LB Seth Joyner talk about the Eagles issues: 

Listen to former Cowboys guard Nate Newton talk about the Eagles offensive line problems: 

During the week as many as six players watched practice due to injury and illness, including running back LeSean McCoy. As of Friday, only three players have been definitely ruled out of Sunday's home game against the Jets.

Reid said McCoy was "getting there" but all signs point to him being ready to play on Sunday.

“He looked pretty good, actually," explained Reid.  "He looked okay, but we’re just kind of easing him back in. He’s still got a little bit of a cough but he’s getting there.”

McCoy himself says he thinks he should be good to go by Sunday.

“Yeah, once I get rolling I’ll get into it, [get my blood flowing] I’ll be fine,” McCoy stated.

Another big story line in the game will be how the Eagles offensive line holds up against the Cowboys pass rush which features one of the best the game has to offer; DeMarcus Ware.

Reid expects the Eagles patch-work line to offer a physical, tough brand of football knowing their season might be on the brink with just a 3-5 record.

“They’re working their tails off and they know they’ve got a big assignment this week," Reid said.  "I’m expecting them to step in and play and do the best possible job they can do. But they’ve got the right attitude to do it.”

Reid anticipates Rob Ryan's defense will bring plenty of pressure on the Eagles bang-up line and frantic quarterback, but he's convinced Mike Vick is ready to take advantage of the blitz schemes.

“I think both teams know each other and what they’re about, although both teams have a couple of additions here and there," said Reid.  "Dallas has got their secondary that they’ve retooled a bit. But, I think scheme-wise, you kind of know each other and now it’s important that you go out and you execute.”

In other words, we know Ware is coming after Vick.  He'll be matched up against beleaguered tackle Demetress Bell on most plays, an area where most Cowboys fans know they have a clear advantage.

“Well, DeMarcus flops sides, but that’s [Bell’s] natural side," Reid stated.  "That’s where he’s played the most and where he’s most comfortable. Listen, any time you have an opportunity to play DeMarcus Ware, you’re talking about one of the best defensive ends in the National Football League. So, you’ve got to be on your ‘A’-game. We’ve got a lot of respect for him.”

If the Eagles can't figure out a way to stop Ware and the rest of the Cowboys pass-rush it could be another long day for Vick.  However, Vick says he is ready for anything and everything the Cowboys are ready to present him on Sunday.

“You just have to wait and see until you get out there in order to adjust and get a feel for the game and how everything is happening, how fast it’s happening, [where] pressure may be coming from, if so, if not [then] maybe not,' said Vick.  "I think the thing to do is not even think about it and when you’re in the moment just let it all go. Let it all go and try to leave no regrets out there.”

Either way, both teams seasons are on the line, the winner is a live in the NFC playoff race, the loser will have some angry fans to face on Monday.

“It’s just understood," said Eagles tight end Brent Celek about the magnitude of the game on Sunday.  "We all know where we’re sitting, 3-5. They’re 3-5. We want to make the playoffs. We’ve got to beat this team. They’re in our division and it’s a huge game.”