Free safety Brian Dawkins was "Mr. December" for the Eagles and on Thursday he was officially recognized as such by the league as the NFC's Defensive Player of the Month.

Dawkins was a big part of the defensive resurgence during the month as the Eagles went 5-0 and won the NFC East. The veteran safety recorded 48 tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, six passes defensed, two quarterback hurries and one sack.

"I can't remember a better one (stretch) where he has made so many plays and big interceptions and stuff," defensive coordinator Jim Johnson said. "He's kind of in a good groove now, making big plays. Everything that is in the air now, he wants. He's always been a big play guy."

The Player of the Month award was the first of Dawkins' career

Named to his sixth Pro Bowl, Dawkins opened the month with a fourth-quarter interception in Philadelphia's 27-24 win over the Carolina Panthers on Monday Night Football. His 38 return yards set up David Akers' 25-yard field goal which stood as the game-winning points.

The following week in Washington, the first of three straight road games against NFC East foes, Dawkins recorded a crucial third-down sack of Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell in a goal line stand in the fourth quarter. For the game he contributed 13 tackles and two hurries.

A week later, Dawkins earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors by registering two forced fumbles and an interception in the Eagles' victory over the Giants. He tied career highs in total tackles (16) and solo tackles (11).

Dawkins added another interception in the next game as Philadelphia defeated the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium on Christmas Day to take control of the division. Dawkins hauled in a memorable over-the-shoulder interception in the end zone in the fourth quarter off Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.

"That was unbelievable. That was great concentration," Johnson said.

The Eagles have won 15 of the past 18 games when Dawkins has had an interception. His 32 career interceptions rank fourth in team annals.

"He's playing with great confidence, making plays. But, you expect that out of Brian Dawkins," Johnson said.

In his 11th season from Clemson, this is Dawkins' first Player of the Month Award.

Eagles Injuries: DE Thomas Upgraded

The Eagles had full participation in Thursday's practice.

Backup defensive end Juqua Thomas returned to practice Thursday and was upgraded to probable on the team's injury report. Thomas has been nursing a calf injury.

Thomas has emerged as one of the team's bast pass rushers in recent weeks. He figures to rotate in with starters Darren Howard and Trent Cole.

Meanwhile, starting left tackle William Thomas was added the report with a knee injury. He is officially listed as probable.

In other injury-related news, starting defensive tackle Darwin Walker was back at practice Thursday after missing a day with the flu. He, too, is probable.

Reserve cornerback William James practiced again, however his status for this weekend appears somewhat uncertain.

"We're going to have to see how he practices today and tomorrow," defensive coordinator Jim Johnson said. "I'm not sure he's quite 100 percent yet."

James, the tallest of the Eagles corners, could certainly help in matchups against Giants wideout Plaxico Burress.

Four players round out the report, including reserve linebackers Matt McCoy (stinger) and Dedrick Roper (knee), safety Michael Lewis (knee) and running back Ryan Moats (ankle). All four players are probable.

Johnson indicated on Thursday that Lewis will again assume his role as a hybrid linebacker in nickel and dime situations.

Giants Injuries: TE Shockey Back

Tight end Jeremy Shockey, who did not play Saturday against the Redskins, returned to practice Thursday but remains questionable for Sunday's game.

The Giants' leading receiver this season, Shockey is battling an ankle injury.

Johnson expects Shockey to be on the field Sunday.

"I cannot imagine that Shockey will not play," Johnson said. "Right now we are going into the game saying that Shockey is going to be there. He is such a great competitor."

Also listed as questionable for the Giants is offensive lineman Rich Seubert (shin). Seubert practiced both Wednesday and Thursday.

Jackson Among Eagles Honored

Center Jamaal Jackson apparently needs to do a little post-holiday shopping. Jackson was named to Sports Illustrated writer Peter King's All-Pro team. Jackson started in all 16 games, it was his first full-year as a starter. He won the job over incumbent Hank Fraley in training camp and anchored a line that saw running back Brian Westbrook notch his first 1,000-yard rushing season and only allow 28 sacks this season.

"That was very nice of him to say that," said Jackson. "I have to give Peter a call or send him something. I'll have to send him a New Year's present. It surprised me. Maybe you have to let other people judge you, I don't judge myself. As long as we're winning, I don't care."

Pro Bowl guard Shawn Andrews was also named to King's All-Pro team.

Jackson and Andrews were not the only Eagles to earn all-star nods or votes for awards. Here is a list of other honors that Eagles have received.

AP Comeback Player of the Year: Quarterback Jeff Garcia received two votes and running back Correll Buckhalter earned one. Jets quarterback Chad Pennington won the award.

Sports Illustrated's All-Pro Team: Quintin Mikell was named the all-around special teams player.

USA Today's All-Joe Team: Quarterback Jeff Garcia, running back Brian Westbrook and defensive end Trent Cole were honored on this team which "represents the NFL's grunts whose work doesn't often show up in statistics."

Baskett Drinks Up Rookie Award

For the second time this season, Eagles wide receiver Hank Baskett won the Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week Award for his performance in the regular season finale against the Atlanta Falcons. The award was determined in a vote by fans on NFL.com.

Baskett hauled in seven receptions for 177 yards, both career highs. The biggest play of the game was his 89-yard touchdown reception from quarterback A.J. Feeley in the fourth quarter which put the Eagles ahead for good.

As the Eagles rested their starters, Baskett received more reps and was able to get open often against the starters on the Falcons defense. He made some impressive catches highlighted by the 89-yard score which was his second touchdown of the season and the longest reception in the NFL this year. Baskett also won the Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week honor after his 87-yard touchdown reception helped beat Dallas 38-24 in Week 5. His two touchdowns are the longest in NFL history by an undrafted rookie free agent.

Among receivers who had at least 20 catches this season, Baskett was second in the NFL with 21.1 yards per reception behind New Orleans Saints rookie Devery Henderson. Baskett finished the regular season with 22 receptions for 464 yards.

Kearse's Long Road Back

With 3.5 sacks in the first two games, Jevon Kearse was off to the best start of his career. However, a left knee injury in the week 2 overtime loss to the Giants ended his season prematurely.

Kearse underwent surgery and was placed on injured reserve. Before starting his rehab his leg was in a cast for about eight weeks.

If he had been rehabbing every day during those eight weeks he believes there was a chance he would have been ready for the postseason. But he has no regrets.

"I could have been back right now, but they put me on injured reserve," he said. "So I'm going to take it for what it's worth and just get healthy and get ready for the '07 season."

However, Kearse said those eight weeks were important both mentally and physically.

"During those eight weeks I was thinking that I wouldn't even be able to walk again," Kearse said. "But then again, I had to heal mentally first."