Once it was revealed that both Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook were in practice on Monday for the Philadelphia Eagles, it was only a matter of time before head coach Andy Reid confirmed their status for Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Coach Reid confirmed that both players will not only play on Sunday, they are both returning to the starting lineup for Philadelphia as well.

McNabb, who sustained a rib injury during the Eagles game against the Carolina Panthers, will wear a protective gear to shield his rib from further injury when the Eagles play on Sunday.

“I don't think I’ll be going through this deal for weeks,” McNabb said. “In due time, it will heal up and get back to 100 percent. As far as right now, it’s something you battle with and continue to grind, but it’s nothing that will restrict me in any way.”

Hopefully, McNabb will be healthy for the Eagles beyond this game and he seems to think so. Although he has been out since September when he sustained the rib injury against Carolina while he was rushed for a touchdown, he has also been smartly rested by the team.

“It's sort of like I’m starting the season back over again,” McNabb said.

He might be thinking he is starting the season all over again, but McNabb is not be ready to take hits yet as he still feels uncomfortable when he laughs, sleep and coughs. Also the five-time Pro Bowl quarterback should not expect too much from the Buccaneers defense; they have not been really successful when it comes to rushing the quarterback this season.

Without McNabb, the Eagles have been able to limit the damage. Kevin Kolb started the last two games, losing to the New Orleans Saints, but carried the team to a win over the Kansas City Chiefs in their last game.

Kolb threw 327 yards in the win against Kansas City and 391 yards in the loss against New Orleans and became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw over 300 yards in his first two starts.

Their running game looks good again with the return of Westbrook who missed the last game due to a knee injury and should be able to play Sunday against Tampa Bay.

Now that the team’s top back is returning, the Eagles can perfect their wildcat offense with quarterback Michael Vick on the field lined up as a wide receiver.

In the past, Reid had played Westbrook along with receivers Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson as quarterback’s to implement the wildcat.

With McNabb, Westbrook, Vick, Jackson and Maclin, coach Reid will have luxury of running all at different times to disguise multiple offensive schemes against Tampa Bay and their young first-year head coach.

“The fun thing about is we haven’t even touched the surface of what we will do with it,” McNabb said. “It’s something that’s going to benefit us and put pressure on defenses.”