NFL head coaches typically abhor early bye weeks — unless they are as unhealthy as the Eagles are right now. Head coach Andy Reid gave his team the week off, and even if he hadn't there might have been a shell crew to work with. In addition to QB Donovan McNabb (broken rib) and RB Brian Westbrook (sprained ankle), several other key players are battling ailments. OG Max Jean-Gilles (shoulder inflammation), WR Kevin Curtis (left knee inflammation), S Quintin Demps (hamstring strain) and OLG Todd Herremans (stress fracture in left foot) are at various levels of rehabilitation, but it's possible that all of them could return after the Week Four bye. Herremans is probably the longest shot to be ready to come back, and Westbrook might be limited for much of the near future. There is some concern about when McNabb returns that his ribs might be a target for opponents, especially if the Eagles opt to continue with a lot of "Wildcat" formations. But Reid doesn't appear too concerned with that. "I'm sure they will try to do that. But I think by the time we get there, I think his ribs will be able to take whatever anybody gives him. There's chance he gets hit as a quarterback, too, when he's back there. I think he'll be in good enough shape where it won't be a problem."

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