As Jeremiah Trotter conducted a conference call with the media in director of media relations Derek Boyko's office Tuesday, there were signs that Trotter never left in the first place. The Sports Illustrated and Sporting News covers from when the Eagles beat the Falcons to advance to Super Bowl XXXIX were hanging in the office.

In that amazing season, Trotter was signed as a free agent after two seasons in Washington to open his second stint with the team. He took over as the starting middle linebacker midway through the year. Despite only starting nine games, Trotter was named to his third Pro Bowl.

It may not take that long in his third stint with the team. Trotter said that he will play on first and second downs.

"Listen, I don't think they'd bring me back to play special teams," said Trotter, who signed a one-year deal Tuesday. "Fortunately, I played in this system for a lot of years so that'll help, but you still have to try and get things down to where you're not thinking and reacting so it's going to take some time."

How long?

"I'm looking forward to contributing (in the) first game (against Tampa Bay), but how much? That's hard to say," Trotter said. "It's going to take some time to run around in those full pads and get in game shape."

Trotter said in the conference call that he's at 257 pounds right now which gives the Eagles its biggest option in the middle. Omar Gaither, the starter in the first three games, is 235 pounds and Joe Mays is listed at 246. That added weight will help fortify the run defense which is Trotter's specialty.

"I think that's the part of my game they like. I think that's one of the reasons they brought me in. I play physical, play downhill and just disrupt things and that's what I like to do ... I loved doing that, man," said the Eagles' third-round pick from 1998. "I love playing downhill and attacking the line of scrimmage. (Defensive coordinator) Sean (McDermott) is a smart guy. He's always been one of those coaches who are well-rounded, knows everything. I'm sure he'll use me to the best of my ability."

After spending the 2007 season in Tampa Bay and the 2008 campaign out of football, Trotter is simply relieved to be back sporting the midnight green again.

"I'm just happy to be back in that green. I was raised in this system, in those colors, in this city," Trotter said. "I feel like I'm just as much a part of this city as anybody who ever played here."

-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 6:15 p.m., September 29