McNabb returns just in time for Eagles

Philadelphia hopes Pro Bowl quarterback can revive its fading playoff hopes

Donovan McNabb didn't have to call Jeff Garcia this week for advice on saving a season.

The five-time Pro Bowl quarterback has bailed the Philadelphia Eagles out of enough jams throughout his career that he doesn't need anyone to tell him how to rescue a team.

After missing two games with ankle and thumb injuries, McNabb returns to the starting lineup when the Eagles (5-7) host the New York Giants (8-4) today in a matchup of NFC East teams headed in different directions.

It's almost a do-or-die situation for Philly, which is dangerously close to missing the playoffs for the second time in three years after four straight appearances in the conference championship.

When McNabb went down with a season-ending knee injury last year, Garcia led the Eagles to five straight wins down the stretch and a division title. But A.J. Feeley couldn't deliver in McNabb's absence this time around, throwing crucial interceptions in the final minutes against New England and Seattle.

So, now it's McNabb's turn to play hero.

"I don't have anything to prove," he said. "I've proven a lot throughout my career. Now it's time for us, as a team, to win these ballgames. That's the only thing that I really have in my mind, for us to win these ballgames."

The Eagles are one of eight teams within one game of the final playoff spot. They probably have to win the last four to have a shot, but the schedule is daunting. After the Giants, the Eagles play at Dallas and New Orleans.

BANGED-UP GIANTS: Free safety Gibril Wilson will miss his second straight game and Pro Bowl linebacker Antonio Pierce will be a game-time decision for the New York Giants today against the Eagles in Philadelphia.

Rookie Michael Johnson will replace Wilson, who has been sidelined with a knee injury.

Besides Pierce, receiver Plaxico Burress (ankle), cornerback Aaron Ross (hamstring) and safety James Butler (hamstring) are questionable, although coach Tom Coughlin expects Butler to play. Burress has been questionable all season, but he has not missed a game.

STOKLEY SIGNS UP FOR MORE: The Denver Broncos signed wide receiver Brandon Stokley to a three-year contract extension on Saturday. Stokley, who injured his knee in last week's loss to Oakland and had not practiced until Friday, is expected to play against Kansas City.

Stokley stepped into the starting lineup this season after Javon Walker suffered a knee injury.

COLTS' HARRISON OUT AGAIN: Wideout Marvin Harrison will be out for the eighth time in nine games when Indianapolis plays the Ravens on Sunday.

Harrison, who did not travel with the team to Baltimore, saw limited practice time Wednesday and had been listed as questionable for the game. He injured his knee Sept. 30 against Denver.