Donovan McNabb practiced for a second straight day on Friday and head coach Andy Reid said that barring a setback, McNabb will start Sunday in the home opener against the 49ers.

"Unless something crazy happens, he'll play," said Reid. "We have a little protective reinforcement in there for him and he is getting used to that. He seems to be able to do everything.

"I was being a little bit cautious with him yesterday and he didn't want any part of that. He felt good and went out and made all the throws. I was not sure how he was going to do with the deep ball yesterday, but I think he answered that. He threw the ball well."

QB Donovan McNabb

Reid said his quarterback has no limitations on what he can do. That includes tucking the ball down and running.

"He has full movement to run," Reid said of McNabb. "I don't necessarily want him to get hit there again, but if needed, he will run."

Friday's declaration from the head coach confirmed McNabb's belief all week.

"If you ask me, there's no doubt about it. I'll be out there," McNabb said following Thursday's practice.

McNabb suffered a chest injury in Monday night's game against Atlanta -- a hit for which Falcons defensive tackle Chad Lavalais was fined $7,500 Thursday -- and was listed as questionable for Sunday's game against San Francisco. He did not practice on Wednesday, and the team insisted that McNabb would be evaluated on a day-by-day basis.

His body showed no ill-effects from Thursday's workload.

McNabb received some advice from Titans quarterback Steve McNair, who missed eight games with a sternum injury last season. He called the Eagles' quarterback this week.

"Our injuries are just a tad bit different," McNabb said. "His was in two places and might have been a little deeper."

McNabb said McNair offered various treatment and rehab advice as well as preached patience and rest.

"It's hard to keep a true competitor off the field and Steve and I are very similar in doing whatever it takes to help our team win," McNabb said.

Koy Detmer and Mike McMahon split the practice reps on Wednesday, just in case McNabb is unable to go against the 49ers.