Desean Jackson

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Agent Drew Rosenhaus avoided the question as well as his top Eagles client evaded pass coverage during the season. Asked about DeSean Jackson's contract situation, the agent said he wasn't inclined to discuss it as he continued to head upfield yesterday after the NFC squad's Pro Bowl practice at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Comcast SportsNet cited two sources as saying Rosenhaus is getting...

WHETHER DeSean Jackson practiced yesterday depends on how you define "practice. " Officially, Jackson didn't work 11-on-11, so he went down on the Eagles' report to the NFL as not having practiced, even though reporters saw him run patterns (seven-on-seven) and catch Michael Vick passes from formations for more than half an hour. Before practice, Jackson said he will play Sunday against the Giants despite the foot injury he suffered in Dallas. "I'll be ready for Sunday," Jackson said.

DeSean Jackson said it was "almost unbelievable still, to realize that we came back from being down three to 24," speaking 2 days after his 65-yard game-ending punt return gave the Eagles a 38-31 victory over the host New York Giants. Jackson, appearing on ESPN's SportsCenter, was asked about fumbling the ball and having to pick it up to start his return. "I think it froze a lot of people," Jackson said. "Everybody was coming down so fast and just trying make a big play . . . when I dropped the ball and tried to go right, I couldn't go right, and I just looked back left and there was a huge crease.

One possible solution for a big play from the Eagles' unproductive special teams would be inserting DeSean Jackson on certain punt returns, a role that he has filled in the past and continues to practice for the Eagles. Special teams coordinator Bobby April compared Jackson to a pinch hitter, and said Jackson is ready if the situation presents itself. "You may get your wish this week, you might get it in two weeks," April said. "He's always ready to go. " The Eagles have the chance to break out of their special teams rut Sunday against the Detroit Lions, a team that has struggled in punt coverage.

GLENDALE, Ariz. - With the Eagles offense struggling and with three turnovers against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half on Sunday, it may not have been the best time for the Birds to overlook an important component of the passing game. Despite Jeremy Maclin's being out with a hip injury, coach Andy Reid did not go out of his way to compensate. Instead of getting DeSean Jackson more touches and a greater share in the overall game plan, Reid decided on a balanced approach. Through a difficult first half and a more challenging second half, Jackson seemed to be less on Michael Vick's radar screen and more in the Cardinals' defensive preparation.

Now comes the interesting part for DeSean Jackson and the Eagles. The franchise tag was widely expected. Now we see if the tag is a temporary patch on a ruptured relationship or a step toward saving the marriage. The Eagles say they want Jackson long-term. Jackson says he wants to be here. But a one-year deal that would give Jackson a big raise and leave the Eagles with just a short commitment might make the most sense for both sides. Yes, both Jackson and the team have tossed bouquets about being together for years to come.

Aaron Rodgers now owes DeSean Jackson both an apology and a big thank you. The apology stems from Rodgers' role in recruiting Jackson, a highly sought-after receiver in high school, to the University of California, then leaving a year early before he could ever throw to him. And the thank you? "That play he made at the end of the Giants game - it really helped us out," Rodgers said yesterday. Without the Eagles' come-from-behind victory over the Giants on Dec. 19 - punctuated by Jackson's 65-yard punt return for a touchdown as time expires - Rodgers and the Packers might not be poised to play in Philadelphia Sunday.

INTO EACH life, a little Rosenhaus must fall. Or not. Today is when we find out if DeSean Jackson, star client of star agent Drew Rosenhaus, is about to start doing sit-ups in the driveway. At which point, the danger will not be in Jackson's action, not really, but in the potential for overreaction by the Eagles. The thinking all along is that Jackson and his inadequate contract would arrive at Lehigh and go to work and get his new deal from the Eagles sometime during the summer.

Here are some observations and ruminations about the Eagles' victory over the Rams: There was some question about DeSean Jackson's state of mind going into the opener. The Eagles wide receiver still doesn't have the contract extension he yearns for, leading to speculation that he may not have been ready to give a 100 percent effort. At least according to one pair of eyes in the press box, Jackson looked fully integrated into the game. He had a splendid, 41-yard grab in the first quarter that got the Eagles offense on track.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - If logic holds, the really interesting chapter of the DeSean Jackson saga begins Monday when the unhappy wide receiver reports to training camp. Once he gets here, it can go one of two ways. Jackson can show up physically but continue his protest against the inequities of his contract by sulking, pouting, and being generally disruptive. Or he can join his teammates, commit himself to preparing for what could be a special season, and negotiate reasonably for a better deal.