National Football League

Eagles Notes: Vick warms up, but Kolb takes snaps

Published Oct. 15, 2010 10:13 a.m. ET

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Michael Vick warmed up with the Eagles at practice Thursday and threw a few passes, but that was all. Kevin Kolb took all of the first-team snaps and appears likely to start Sunday against Atlanta.

Young specialists With 14 rookies on the 53-man roster, the Eagles have several first-year players on special teams. That translates to inexperience in a job in which a small mistake can lead to a big play.

"With the kickoff, it's just so fast, and there's so much room," said linebacker Omar Gaither, a veteran who has played on kickoff coverage. He noted that cover men run about 60 yards before they are in position to make a play. "There's more room for error. One wrong step here, one wrong step there and it'll kill you, that's what guys have to learn."

When the Eagles kicked off to open Sunday's game, they had three rookies, Trevard Lindley, Jamar Chaney and Kurt Coleman, covering. Later another rookie, Jorrick Calvin, joined the coverage team. Gaither said they are getting "on-the-job training."

Coach Andy Reid said effort isn't a problem on kick coverage, but discipline - every player sticking to his assignment - may be.

"We've got some young guys in there playing, and they're anxious to make plays," Reid said. "We've got to go back and just make sure we keep repping it and getting them real disciplined in those areas."

Special teams coach Bobby April says he is responsible.

"I just have to do a better job relaying the information that I have," April said. "I can teach the stuff after the fact, but the real secret of success in coaching is making sure you address it before the problem."

Philly fresh New Eagles running back Jerome Harrison said he is hoping for a fresh start in Philadelphia.

"I took a deep breath when I got off the plane, and it felt good," said Harrison, acquired Wednesday in a trade for running back Mike Bell.

Harrison ran for 862 yards last season, including 561 over the final three weeks, but fell out of favor in Cleveland and had carried just 31 times for 91 yards in 2010.

"We'll see," offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said when asked about Harrison's role this week.

Extra points Wide receiver Riley Cooper sat out practice Thursday, indicating he might have some lingering problems from the concussion he suffered against the Redskins. Left tackle Jason Peters had arthroscopic surgery to remove some of the cartilage in his left knee, the team said. The procedure was performed by team physician Peter DeLuca of the Rothman Institute. Peters is out this week. . . . Defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley (elbow) also sat out practice. Running back LeSean McCoy (rib) and guard Todd Herremans (knee) returned to practice. . . . Chaney, a linebacker, changed his number from 49 to 51. "I didn't want to be the only linebacker with a 40," he said.