Defensive end Juqua Parker is neither offended nor upset about the ascension of rookie Brandon Graham to the role of starting left defensive end - a position occupied by Parker through most of last year and this off-season.

"It doesn't bother me," Parker said. "It's a business and I understand it's a business. I just have to do what I need to do and continue doing what I've been doing."

Parker, who will miss this Friday's preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs with a sprained ankle, has actually been helping Graham along since the youngster arrived in Philadelphia.

"Anything he needs," Parker said. "He asks me what's going on this play or what not. I help him out with whatever he needs ... Anything I can do to help."

Parker said the ankle sprain is nothing to worry about and that he'll be ready for the regular season. And that's a good thing, because he'll be counted on to have a major role in the defense this year.

"I think (Parker) has had an outstanding camp," said head coach Andy Reid. "So, this is a good situation and we're going to use (Parker) in a lot of plays out there.

"All of those guys are going to play. We need all of them. I'm not going to sit here and slight (Parker), because he's had a very good camp, but Graham's playing well so we're giving him the opportunity to step in and play, and start and then (Parker) will spot him there."

Does Parker agree with the assessment that he's had an impressive camp?

"Of course," he said. "I think every year I get better," which isn't hard to believe considering he registered a career-high 8.0 sacks last year as a 31-year-old.

And Parker's production could still improve, as he'll have fresh legs in what is sure to be a deep defensive line rotation.

"I can go full speed and give it all I have out there," he said. "You only have so much time here in this league, and the time you do have you have to make the most of it. I'm enjoying where I'm at."

As for his impressions of Graham, Parker sees what the coaches see.

"He's going to be a great player," said Parker. "Once he gets everything down, he's going to be a great player."

-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 5:05 p.m., August 25