Maclin was sidelined by a persistent viral illness. He got over it in the spring, but blood tests didn't start to come back normal until a few weeks ago.
The situation is more involved for Smith, who is coming back from knee microfracture surgery. By letting him practice, the Eagles were saying they were confident he would play sometime in the first 6 weeks of the season. Had he not practiced, Smith could have gone on the physically unable to perform list for the first 6 weeks, and wouldn't have counted on the 53-man roster. Practicing took away Smith's PUP eligibility.
When the Giants deferred a decision on re-signing Smith, leading to him reaching an accord with the Eagles, Giants coach Tom Coughlin said he felt Smith was 4-to-6 weeks away from practicing. Smith actually practiced in about 3 1/2 weeks.
"It was great just to be out there with my teammates and hearing the calls from Vick. It was really fun," Smith said Saturday. He added that he was not surprised to be able to practice this soon. "I was pretty ahead of schedule . . . It's going to be a test when I'm in press coverage and someone is pushing against me."
Smith was asked if he expects to be able to play Week 1.
"I think I'll be able to," he said. "It's up to what the coaches and trainers want me to do. I'm feeling good, and as long as we have no setbacks, that's what I'm shooting for."
Hanson awaits fate
Eagles corner Joselio Hanson understands the situation. Team president Joe Banner confirmed last week that the team is no longer actively shopping Asante Samuel. Banner said the offers the team has gotten don't interest the Eagles.
