Donovan McNabb said that he will start this Sunday when the Eagles host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

McNabb has missed the last two games after suffering a fractured rib in the second half of the season-opening win over the Carolina Panthers. McNabb said that he will test out a number of guards and padding in practice this week. Head coach Andy Reid added that as of now, McNabb would wear some sort of protective jacket on Sunday.

McNabb said that he has been taking a number of calcium supplements to accelerate the healing process. While the rib has "calcified pretty well," according to Reid, McNabb said that there is still some discomfort when he sleeps, laughs and coughs. Despite that discomfort, McNabb doesn't expect to be restricted in any way and "absolutely" believes he will play like the Donovan of old.

Having not played since the opener, McNabb said that he expects an adjustment period because this game will have the feel of an opener. McNabb said that it was "tough" to suffer the injury, one that arguably didn't have to happen in the first place. When asked if he thought Panthers defensive lineman Damione Lewis' hit was late, McNabb thought it was but "there's nothing you can do at this point." He joked that he should have been like Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and jumped up demanding a flag.

Reid also added that Michael Vick will work in the team's Wildcat packages this week. Reid did not offer the amount of snaps he expected Vick to play. McNabb said that he "fine with" the Wildcat package. If you remember in the third preseason game, McNabb said that the usage of the package threw the offense's rhythm off. McNabb thought his statement was "blown out of proportion" and that the Eagles "haven't even touched the surface" of what they can do with it.

Should the Wildcat take McNabb out of the quarterback position in the red zone, McNabb said that he's "all about scoring touchdowns" and "all about winning games."

McNabb said that whoever is the Wildcat quarterback can check out of the play. McNabb claimed that he's open down the sideline when he splits out as a receiver in the package.

Reid also cited that "everybody is excited to have Donovan back" and that when all is said and done McNabb will be "one of the all-time greats to play the position."

-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 12:31 p.m., October 7