What about Bob?

The Eagles' problems continue to mount. In addition to Westbrook's ankle problem, he now has cracked ribs.

Not good for a team that suddenly finds itself in last place.

... but Brian Westbrook may not be so fortunate.

McNabb practiced today and seemed fine after suffering a bruised chest in last week's win over the Steelers.

Westbrook missed another day of practice with a sprained ankle and may or may not play against the Bears on Sunday night.

The Eagles' veteran safety, an occasional critic of Upshaw, on the passing of the long-time union chief:

“From where the union started to where it is today is leaps and bounds. A lot of that credit has to go with Gene and what he stood for. He stood his ground on a lot of key issues. With the backing of the players he was able to get us in a pretty good position in terms of health benefits with the presidents at the time, be it Troy [Vincent] and Trace [Armstrong]. They worked to get us in a very good position, and he’s left us in a very good position.”

On how shocked he was to learn of his passing today:

“A tremendous shock. I don’t know the situation of when he was diagnosed. I don’t know any of that information. To have someone of Gene’s age and the way he carried himself, to all of a sudden receive a phone call that Gene has passed away was a huge shock to me. That’s why I always live my life in a certain way and that’s to make sure my house is in order because you never know when that time is coming.”

Here's Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie on Upshaw:

“On behalf of the Philadelphia Eagles, I am very saddened and shocked to learn of Gene Upshaw’s passing this morning. Whether it was as a Hall of Fame offensive lineman with the Oakland Raiders or as executive director of the NFL Players Association, Gene was a tremendous leader and a wonderful person. Gene always believed the best way to build the popularity of our sport was to craft a dynamic partnership between the players and the owners that served the best interest of the fans. We, as well as the entire NFL family, will miss his presence dearly and our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Teri, and their three sons.”

Eagles practices are regularly packed to the gills, especially for scrimmages and the like.

The Jets drew an estimated 10,600 for Favre's first day of practice last Saturday, but it's not uncommon to see crowds that big at Eagles camp no matter who the quarterback is. The Iggles once drew around 25,000 for a scrimmage when Terrell Owens was with the team.

Even so, the bustling crowds at Hofstra are a testament to the overwhelming popularity of Favre, who might be participating in his one and only camp in New York.

It is very cool, actually.

Especially after agreeing to terms on a new contract that will keep him in an Eagles' uniform the rest of his career.

The Eagles poured a pile of money into the free agent cornerback, but he has taken only a handful of snaps in training camp and the off-season before going with hamstring problems.

He's still out and won't make an appearance in tomorrow night's preseason opener against the Steelers.

Hmmm. Wonder how Lito Sheppard feels.

Sheppard hasn't gotten the raise he's been after, nor has he been traded.

Then again, aren't there always issues with the Eagles?

Here's a closer look at Philly after we visited training camp in Bethlehem, Pa.

Not that I'm completely down on the Eagles, by the way. I think there is still something to like about this team, starting with No. 5. Donovan McNabb has looked as spry as ever in camp, thanks to the fact he isn't recovering from an injured knee, a bum shoulder, a hernia, or any of the other assorted ailments that have afflicted him in recent years.

Best has occasionally made reference to how scary it can be to venture into Philadelphia to witness a sporting event, but Eagles coach Andy Reid has grown quite accustomed to the crazed ... er ... passionate fans of the City of Brotherly Love.

But he admits it wasn't always that way.

"It’s a great job in a great city. That’s how I look at it," he said. "People say, 'Hey, you’re working in a tough place.' But I like it. People care. They’re going to show up and cheer. It’s a great city for sports. I realize that. Maybe I didn’t the first couple of years, but now that I’ve been around and I’ve looked around, it’s a great situation."

We don't suspect that will convince Best, who should at least give Philly credit for one thing: Mrs. Watchdog grew up there, and still has the accent to prove it.

The Eagles' cornerback, who has been the subject of trade rumors for months, especially after the team signed free agent corner Asante Samuel, isn't too happy with the way the Eagles have handled his situation.

The team couldn't find a suitable trading partner for the former Pro Bowl corner, who is looking for a new contract, and Sheppard is none too happy about it.

The word he uses to sum up his feelings: "disappreciated."

Ok, so maybe it's not a word you'll find in Webster's Dictionary, but you get the point. Kind of reuminds me of the Herm Edwards-ism: "flustrated." That's frustrated and flustered in one word.

Cute.

A couple former NFL players - cornerback Otis Smith and linebacker Mike Caldwell - are serving as assistant coaches for the Eagles.

It's not something that's common in the NFL. Unlike, say, hockey, basketball or baseball, where ex-players are the norm among coaches, former NFL players rarely go into the coaching ranks.

The two biggest reasons: not much money and looooooooooonngg hours.

My five best would-be coaches among former players:

1. Brett Favre. He's a coach's son, which is always a plus. Lives, breathes and sleeps football. Unfortunately for the NFL, more interested in cutting grass than coaching. He might even consider playing again.

2. Ronnie Lott. Career resume with 49ers speaks for itself. But Lott had that unique ability not only to read offenses and play hard-nosed football, but he was a great locker room leader.

3. Phil Simms. He makes way too much money and has way too much fun being an announcer. But the former Giants' quarterback knows x's and o's as well as anyone.

4. Aeneas Williams. The former Cardinals and Rams cornerback was smart, tough and extremely disciplined. Also had that kind of personality that players are drawn to.

5. Mike Singletary. He has had some nibbles for head coaching positions, but teams are scared off by the fact he hasn't called plays, and it's a legitimate issue. That said, Singletary is a terrific teacher, and an even better motivator.

That's what the Eagles' head coach said today at the team's mini-camp practice. When asked during his media seassion whether he feels like he's loaded up and ready to win a championship, Reid said:

"That's how I feel. I'm not going to get into much more than that. I think with the players I have in the room that we are ready to compete for a championship. It's that simple."

Reid reiterated his stance that, at least as of now, cornerback Lito Sheppard isn't going anywhere. Sheppard had been the subject of trade talks in recent weeks, but the Eagles weren't able to swing a deal before or during the draft. There was some speculation the Jaguars were interested, but that is apparently not the case.

The disgruntled cornerback, unhappy over his contract situation, reported for a mandatory mini-camp this weekend. There had been speculation he'd skip all mandatory functions unless the team re-did his contract or traded him.

Well, so far, there have been no takers on the trade market. And head coach Andy Reid has suggested it's possible Sheppard will remain with the team this season.

Nothing wrong with that. With Asante Samuel, Sheldon Brown and Sheppard, the Eagles would have one of the finest cornerback groupings in the NFL.

... but he might be gone within a matter of days.

The Eagles and Jaguars are talking about a deal for Philly's cornerback, who was made expendable with the signing of free agent Asante Samuel.

Yes, a blogosphere trifecta.

Seems Mr. Owens hasn't repaid the bonus money he owes the Eagles dating back to their nasty divorce a couple years ago. The Eagles are suing him to recover the cash.

With Steve McNair's retirement from the NFL yesterday, Eagles tackle Jon Runyan is the only remaining active player to have played with the old Houston Oilers. Runyan was a fourth-round pick of the Oilers in 1996.

Not only that, but with Brett Favre also retiring, Runyan has now moved up to second place among active players with 176 straight regular season starts. Bucs linebacker Derrick Brooks is tops at 192 straight.

The Cal receiver was a bit of a disappointment last season, but he's got terrific speed and can be a very good return man.

The Eagles are interested, seeing as they failed to land Randy Moss in free agency and couldn't pry Larry Fitzgerald away from the Cardinals.

The only problem with Jackson: He's not much taller than I am.

The Birds have their eye on Vanderbilt receiver Earl Bennett.

Then again, so do the Broncos, whose quarterback also went to Vanderbilt.

We were getting some conflicting signals about the Eagles' potential interest in Randy Moss once he hit the open market.

As it turns out, the team appeared very interested in acquiring the veteran receiver. In the end, Moss opted to stay with New England on a three-year, $27 million deal.

The Eagles have signed Patriots free agent cornerback Asante Samuel, giving them a shutdown corner and likely setting the stage for a trade of either Sheldon Brown or Lito Sheppard, the two incumbent starters. A league source confirms the Samuel deal was for six years and $57 million.

There's also a chance that the Eagles keep all three DBs and move Brown to safety.

It's not a done deal just yet, but the Patriots' Pro Bowl cornerback is in Philly right now speaking to the Eagles about a free agent deal. He's scheduled to discuss his situation with the media at 4:30 p.m.

You never say never with these things until there's a signature on a contract, so the Eagles are not saying one way or another whether Samuel will be on the team by the end of the day. Remember, they once had a free agent deal agreed upon with Saints center LeCharles Bentley, only to see him turn around and sign with the Browns.

The Jets, Saints and Browns have also expressed interest in Samuel.

The Eagles will be one of the more interesting teams to watch in free agency, because they have a number of holes to fill. They need a big-time receiver, although Randy Moss is the only one available, and he might be re-signed by New England any minute now.

There's talk of adding a big-time cornerback; Asante Samuel's name has been brought up.

And they can never have enough pass rushers.

But this much is certain, according to Eagles president Joe Banner: Free agency will be over in the blink of an eye. At least as far as the marquee names are concerned.

"My own opinion is, there's going to be a very, very short market this year,'' Banner said. "It's not to say there aren't any opportunities out there, but I think you're going to see the market accelerated . . . the second tier of free agency, where maybe that kicked in 2 weeks into free agency in the past, maybe you're going to see it kicking in 3 to 5 days into free agency this year.''

Then Jevon Kearse is your man. The Eagles have released Kearse, who appeared in just 16 games over the past two seasons.

They'd hoped to get a big impact from a player nicknamed "The Freak" because of his freakish athleticism. But Kearse never did pan out in Jim Johnson's defensive system.

Can't see a team giving him huge dollars in free agency, but I'm sure someone will offer an incentive-laden deal. If the Jets weren't so hell-bent on sticking with the 3-4 defense, I'd say they should give him a look-see.

Here's a story on Andy Reid's take on whether the Eagles' loss to the Patriots in Super Bowl XXIX was legit.

Reid and team president Joe Banner believe the Patriots won fair and square, even amid the assertion that that they have illegally taped defensive signals since Bill Belichick took over as coach in 2000.

"I believe [the Patriots won fairly]," Reid said. "You can't know exactly what a team's doing. You're changing your signals up all the time. If they were sitting up there in those apartments near our practice fields [in South Philadelphia] and taping that, I'd worry about that. That would bother me. I don't care about anything else."

I wrote about Donovan McNabb in the newspaper today, and my take on it was that he will remain with the Eagles next season. Reason: He remains the Eagles' best alternative at the position, regardless of whether Andy Reid is back next year as coach.

The organization has given zero indication that McNabb or Reid will be sent packing, but that hasn't stopped the folks in Philly from theorizing - and hoping - that one or both will be gone. It's times like this that give Best the willies about people from Philadelphia, although he did marry a lovely woman from said city of brotherly love.

Mrs. Watchdog didn't appreciate his remarks at the time, but even she has to realize that the freakish football passion of this city can be overwhelming.

So, does/should McNabb stay? Does/should he go?

Your call.

Chalk this one up as one of the stranger - or, as a good friend pronounces, "sshhhtranger" - NFL injuries.

Eagles right tackle Jon Runyan injured his tailbone while getting in a hot tub.

Seriously.

Runyan has a streak of 183 straight - "ssshhhtraight" - starts, although he insists he'll suit up on Sunday againts the Bears.

Love this comeback story.

Former Eagles safety J.R. Reed's career looked finished when he suffered a freak leg injury while climbing a fence in the 2005 off-season. A severe gash severed tendons and nerves, and the Eagles thought he was through.

But Reed made it back last season after being released by the Eagles. He tried out this summer with the Giants, and although he was released on the final cut yesterday, the Eagles have claimed him off waivers.

Reed had a spectacular interception off Jets QB Kellen Clemens in the Jets-Giants exhibition game a couple weeks ago. I'd mentioned Reed's story to Clemens afterward.

"Great ending to a terrible throw," Clemens said.

And a great ending to what appeared to be a terrible turn of events for a good kid.

The 25-year-old Reed is in his second stint with the Eagles after being a fourth-round draft choice of the club in 2004. During an impressive rookie season as the club's primary kickoff returner, Reed averaged 23.1 yards on 33 returns.

Reed was released by the Eagles last September, and went on to see action in six games with the St. Louis Rams later that year. He also spent time with Atlanta in 2006.

The Philadelphia Eagles have released veteran linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, a clear indication the 30-year-old's knees are just not up to the wear-and-tear of another NFL season.

“Jeremiah is one of my favorite guys,” said head coach Andy Reid. “There’s no question that this is the toughest part of this job. He and I met about this last night and it was very emotional for the both of us. Jeremiah and I have been together for many years and he’s played a vital role in helping this team win a lot of football games. He developed himself into a Pro Bowl middle linebacker through a lot of hard work and desire. In my mind, he will always be a Philadelphia Eagle and I’m sure he feels the same way. I wish he and his family nothing but the best in the future.”

The Giants will surely be interested in this development, even if Trotter had played a decreased role in recent years. He remained one of the best run-stopping inside linebackers in the game - just ask Tiki Barber, who absorbed a bunch of punishment by Trotter - but he was regularly removed on passing downs. And with the NFL increasingly using spread offenses, Trotter's value simply wasn't there.

The decision is a big blow to newly acquired Takeo Spikes, who had befriended Trotter and spent countless hours in the off-season absorbing the team's defense.

We'd actually heard during the off-season that Trotter was considering retirement because of his knees, and chances are he'll do just that. There's a chance he might somehow hook on with another team, but if he does, it will be for peanuts, and will probably end badly.

Eagles running back Brian Westbrook has left training camp for what was described as "personal reasons," but I'm assured by a person familiar with the situation that it's nothing to be alarmed at, and that Westbrook could be back as early as tomorrow.

You can exhale now, Eagles fans.

Bethlehem, Pa. – Ten observations from Eagles camp that Tom Coughlin will surely be interested in:

1. Donovan McNabb did not practice the day I visited the team’s training camp at Lehigh University, but I spoke to him at length, and he is as excited about this year’s team as any. And by all indications, his practice work has been excellent. Andy Reid isn’t worried much about McNabb’s recovery from ACL surgery, and all things are on track. See my column from Tuesday for more insight.

2. There’s a potentially cool story brewing with the punting competition. Incumbent Dirk Johnson is being pressed by former Australian Rules football player Saverio Rocca, a 6-foot-5, 265-pound beast who can literally punt the ball almost 80 yards. The real test for Rocca will be in preseason games, because he will shank a few punts due to his inexperience. But if he can nail enough of them, Johnson might be toast.

3. Fantasy football players, be alert on this one: Wide receiver Kevin Curtis has been phenomenal in camp. The former Rams No. 3 – behind Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce – is catching everything thrown his way. He is clearly the team’s best receiver, and will be paired opposite third-year man Reggie Brown.

4. The offensive line is still formidable, despite the advancing age of tackles Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan.

5. Interesting to see what happens behind starting running back Brian Westbrook. Rookie Tony Hunt, the former Penn State standout, is pushing hard for the backup job along with veteran Correll Buckhalter, who has had knee problems throughout his career. Ryan Moats might be the odd man out. Moats was a third-rounder in 2005 out of LSU, and was being counted on to spell Westbrook.

6. Jevon Kearse looks all the way back from ACL surgery, although he says he’s still rusty. Reid said Kearse had one of his best practices on Sunday with three sacks.

7. One potential concern is safety Brian Dawkins’ Achilles. He strained it the first day of camp and has missed a bunch of practices, but Reid doesn’t seem too worried. My sense is that Dawkins, because he’s so experienced and so familiar with the team’s schemes, was not going to be worked hard at all this camp.

8. Rookie quarterback Kevin Kolb created a stir when the Eagles took him in the second round (their highest pick), and even McNabb expressed shock at the decision. But Kolb has picked up Reid’s offense quite well, and has really impressed offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg. Kolb will almost certainly be the third quarterback, with A.J. Feeley backing up McNabb.

9. The arrival of Takeo Spikes has really juiced up the defense. Now, Spikes has to stay healthy (he’s had hamstring and Achilles problems in recent years), but he is a far more effective player than the man he replaced, Dhani Jones, the former Giants LB.

10. Middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter has dropped at least 10 pounds and looks a lot quicker. Trotter needed to drop the weight, because he really had gotten slow last year. Not good to weigh 265 on two bad knees.

Donovan McNabb made a surprise visit yesterday ... to the huddle.

The Eagles quarterback, rehabbing from a torn anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered midway through last season, practiced for the first time since getting hurt.

He didn't tell anyone he was going to practice, but once his teammates saw him take part in team drills, it was a huge boost on an otherwise mundane Monday in June.

I'm not surprised McNabb is ahead of schedule on his rehab, because I'd been hearing several weeks ago that he was on track to be ready for the start of training camp. That he's already healthy enough to practice is even better news for an Eagles team that is still a force to be reckoned with in the NFC East - but only if McNabb is in the lineup.