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The Philadelphia Eagles are getting much-needed rest and relaxation this week.
After playing three games in 13 days, the Eagles will go 15 days before playing in an NFC divisional playoff game on Jan. 12. They won't return to practice until Friday and they'll also get the weekend off.
With several players recovering from injuries and many others banged-up from a long season, a bye came at a perfect time.
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``This bye is a tremendous thing for us,'' defensive coordinator Jim Johnson
said. ``We needed it. If we had to play (this) week, I would've been worried.''
Johnson benefited from the week off because it is allowing him to interview for the Arizona Cardinals' head coaching vacancy on Thursday. The time off especially helps his defense.
Five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Troy Vincent missed the last two games with a hip injury, but should be ready for next week. Defensive tackles Corey Simon and Darwin Walker aren't hurt, but they're weary from having to play more this season because four linemen are out with injuries.
The extra week gives linebacker Ike Reese more time to adjust to his new role as a starter in place of Carlos Emmons, who is out for the rest of the season with a leg injury. And it helps safety Brian Dawkins and cornerback Bobby Taylor get back to their old form after each missed nine games during the season with foot injuries.
``We need this week to get guys healthy,'' defensive end N.D. Kalu said. ``A lot of us are beat up.''
The bye gives the Eagles (12-4) more time to evaluate the status of versatile running back Brian Westbrook. He tore his left triceps in the regular-season finale against Washington, and would have had no chance to play if the Eagles had a game this week. Westbrook, who scored 13 touchdowns, is seeking another opinion from a physician before deciding when to have surgery.
If Westbrook can't play, the Eagles will be without their top playmaker. But they still have Correll Buckhalter and Duce Staley to share the ballcarrying duties.
The last time the Eagles had a bye, it was difficult to imagine they'd be getting another one this year. After opening the season with consecutive losses at home, the Eagles had a week off to think about their dismal start.
They returned to win 12 of 14. They'll settle for just three straight wins after this bye week.
``This team has been here before,'' Simon said. ``Our ultimate goal is still out there. Everyone is focused and staying humble. We know there's a lot of work left.''
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