Birds' McDougle making progress

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - You would pretty much need a calculator and a half page from the NFL player register to list all the injuries that have plagued defensive end Jerome McDougle in his five seasons as an Eagle.

He didn't play a single snap last season because of a torn triceps. Two years earlier, he missed the entire season after being shot in a robbery attempt on the eve of training camp. In all, McDougle has played just 33 of 80 possible games with the Birds since he was drafted in the first round in 2003.

This training camp figures to be his final go-round. So far, the Eagles are encouraged, especially after McDougle played nearly three quarters against the host Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday, his longest action in years.

"It's been a while," he said. "I can't remember the last time I played that much. It felt good to get out there, and banging heads with people and playing with the guys."

Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson pointed to McDougle as having been one of a couple of players who stood out with good pressure on the quarterback. McDougle had two tackles.

The 6-foot-2, 264-pound Miami product figures to get another long look Thursday night against the Panthers at the Linc.

"I've said it before: I think this is a big year for Mac," Johnson said. "I think he's taken advantage of it right now."

"We'll just see how he continues to progress," Johnson said. "At the least, I saw a guy who was getting upfield and getting after the passer."

McDougle has a chance to make the team, especially if another defensive end, Victor Abiamiri, who has a broken wrist, goes on injured reserve. At the same time, Darren Howard can play both tackle and end, which seemingly gives him an edge.

"He's kind of climbed the ladder, and then he had a setback," coach Andy Reid said of McDougle. "That happens. He's come out and he's played well. He's put all that behind him, he feels good, and he seems to be playing productive football.

"We'll just see how he finishes this thing out."

(philly.com)