Injured McNabb ruled out against the host Patriots on Sunday
Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA -- Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was downgraded from doubtful to out against New England on Saturday because of a sprained ankle and injured thumb.
McNabb hurt the thumb on his throwing hand early against Miami last Sunday and left after injuring his ankle in the second quarter.
A.J. Feeley, who led the Eagles to a pair of touchdowns in a 17-7 win over the Dolphins, will start in place of McNabb.
McNabb has started every game since returning ahead of schedule after a torn knee ligament ended his season early last year. Injuries ended his regular season three times in the past six years. The Eagles are 13-8 without him, including 1-1 in the playoffs last season.
Feeley will make his first start since he led Miami over Cleveland on Dec. 26, 2004. He was 4-1 as a starter in the last five regular-season games in 2002, helping the Eagles finish first in the NFC after McNabb and backup Koy Detmer were injured. Feeley was 3-5 in eight starts with the Dolphins in '04, including a win over eventual Super Bowl champion New England
Strong safety Quintin Mikell also is doubtful with a sprained knee, meaning Philadelphia might have to start third-string J.R. Reed.