Maclin’s brother says Jeremy will have news on Tuesday and at that time they’ll be able to map out a course of action to get the Eagle back on the field with his teammates. It’s at that point that the Maclin camp will decide when and what to divulge to the public. So, we may not find out tomorrow, but we should hear something soon.

Eagles wideout Jeremy Maclin is set to receive information on his illness on Tuesday.

As for the rumor mill reports stating that Maclin’s illness could be life threatening, it doesn’t appear that way.

No so, said Andre Maclin: “They kind of have us on a gag order until tomorrow. … But he’s fine, he’s fine. That much I can say.”

Asked if he expects Maclin to play for the Eagles this season, the brother said, “I’m confident about that as well.”

Maclin has batteled mononucleosis and lost 15 pounds this spring. This report is certainly encouraging news and inline with the statements that Joe banner and Andy Reid made last week. Maclin is a key guy in the Eagles passing scheme. Coming off a 70 catch, 964 yard, 10 TD season, the Eagles are counting on the third year guy from Missouri.

Maclin and DeSean Jackson should be in line to become the first 1,000-yard receiving duo in team history this year if both are ready to go Week 1.

Apparently, Tampa Bay Bucs coach Raheem Morris tried his hand at “managing” a major league team this week when Joe Maddon invited the football guru to join the Rays for a day. Morris even made a pitching change in the fourth inning when he pulled pitcher James Shields.

According to Larry Brown Sports, Morris played it cool during the change.

He walked to the mound, and he’s like, ‘So, what do we do now?’” Shields relayed. “I was like, ‘You’re supposed to get the ball from me.’ And he’s like, ‘Oh, okay, then hand me the ball.’ Then he’s like, ‘So, what are we doing after the game? Is this what we’re supposed to talk about out there?’ It was pretty funny.”

That got us to thinking, what if Charlie Manuel invited Andy Reid down to coach the Phillies for a day. What would that be like?

Things would likely start with Lenny’s closing at 8 a.m. for the first time ever after Reid and Uncle Charlie stopped by for breakfast. Manuel would likely talk to Reid about dropping LA Weight Loss for Nutrisystem. Reid would then order a quadruple stack of pancakes as he considered Chuck’s advice.

The setting would then switch to Bright House Field where Reid would put on a baseball uni that fit him like the tights he promised to wear had Terrell Owens scored 15 TDs in 2004. Of course, his uni number would be 14 to remind him of his 1-4 NFC Championship game record. Hey, just a little cross S. Philly rivalry shot fired by the Phillies brass.

What if Andy Reid took control of the Phillies for a day like Raheem Morris did in Tampa for the Rays this week?

During the game, Reid would ask Manuel about when he calls time outs and how he manages the clock.

“Andy, you know there’s no clock or timeouts in baseball. We have to walk to the mound to get a stop in play,” says Charlie.

“You mean I have to walk all the way to the mound? No wonder you lost all that weight. It kills me to move from the 40 to the 50 along the sidelines.”

“Yeah, you actually have to move a bit out here. We can’t hide on the sidelines like you.”

Charlie then tells Reid he’d like to yank Doc Halladay after the fourth inning but he knows Doc’ll be pissed off. He just doesn’t know how to yank his stud starter and save his arm for the playoffs.

“I benched Donovan McNabb,” says Reid. “Let me go out there. But, call the bullpen and have Danys Baez run up to the Tiki Bar and grab me a burger, fries and milkshake.”

“Why Baez?”

“What the hell else is he going to do besides run his ERA higher than my pass-to-run ratio?”

Later, JRoll gets thrown out at the plate on a bang-bang play. Reid grabs Chase Utley’s hat and throws it on the field. Manuel and the Phillies dugout rolls in laughter.

“Uhhh, Andy, uhh, there’s no challenges in baseball.”

The end result is a 7-6 Phillies loss to the Cardinals on a last second drop by center fielder John Mayberry. Reid then met with the media.

“Let’s start with the injuries. Chase Utley is day-to-day with knee contusion. Domonic Brown has a broken wrist and he’ll get an MRI tomorrow.

“OK, I need to put Charlie’s guys in position to make plays. This loss is on me. I should never have pulled Donovan, errr, Doc Halladay. But, I really wanted that burger from Baez, so I had to call the bullpen.

“The fans were great today and really geeked up. I was only reminded of the Super Bowl choke job thirty times today. Finally, don’t worry about me and the Eagles. The NFL is set to agree to a new CBA the night before opening day. We’ll hold the press conference announcing the signing of Nnamdi Asomugha on April 1 at 1:05. Then, we’ll announce the trade of Kevin Kolb at 7:05 on April 2. Finally, look for DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick to hold a joint presser announcing contract extensions on April 3 at 1:35. This in no way is an attempt to overshadow the opening weekend for the Phour Aces. Joe Banner assures me of such.”

Could the Andy Reid era actually be coming to an end? If you read into the words of team President Joe Banner, the answer appears to be yes if the team doesn’t get the elusive championship soon.

Banner, speaking with the media including the Daily News‘ Les Bowen today said that Reid is a solid coach, but the future has yet to be determined. Writes Bowen:

Banner also gave a complex and interesting answer when asked about the future of Eagles coach Andy Reid, whose contract expires after the 2013 season. Banner extolled Reid’s “quality of leadership” and said that Reid’s strong reputation had attracted players and coaches to the Eagles. But he also said “the future will be determined when we get there,” that “there’s criticism that’s fair,” and “we’re here to win a championship. That plays into it, too.”

Joe Banner failed to give Andy Reid a total vote of confidence going forward.

This is the first time I can remember Banner saying criticism of Reid is fair. His words saying that the championship “plays into it” sounds a lot like his line two years ago when he said “insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results.”

A year later, the QB was shipped to Washington. This year, the defensive coaching staff was exiled. Could Reid be on the chopping block after next season now that he has playmakers all over the offense and a defensive staff he selected this year? Could those Jon Gruden rumors really have some truth to them?

The bottom line is that Reid has done a great job and deserves to see this team through to a championship. However, if Banner and Jeff Lurie think that Reid isn’t the man to finish the job, then they owe it to themselves and Philly to do what’s best for the franchise.

The fact that Banner openly said things that clearly are not a 100 percent vote of confidence is a change. Could more changes be coming in the next year or so?

Inquirer Eagles beat writer Jeff McLane includes an interesting note in his daily blog. He says Eagles coach Andy Reid is done talking about the excessive hits his stud quarterback Michael Vick has taken after plays. As you may recall both Reid and Vick complained about the lack of flags thrown for late hits.

When asked if he had heard back from the league office about the matter, Reid said the following:

“You know what, I’m done with all of that. We’re moving on playing the game and Michael feels the same way. And I probably put him in a bind by saying anything about it. So it’s about going and playing now. We’re not worried about any of that stuff.”

Eagles coach Andy Reid says he's done complaining about the late hits on Michael Vick. Our take? The NFL warned him of potential fines if he continued his crusade.

Translation: The NFL called or FedExed Reid and/or Vick cease and desist letters. Shut up or be fined for criticizing officiating. As you can see from the above quote, Reid takes the blame for Vick even having to discuss it. Smart move as no player needs to get on the officials bad side, which could happen if it’s perceived you were complaining about them.

The bottom line is that Reid made the issue known, but probably shouldn’t have gone public with it. The Eagles have games left to play and just need to line up. If the Eagles really want to protect Vick, they can start with the offensive line, which has played better but still lets too many guys in the backfield.

According to a source in the locker room, Eagles coach Andy Reid didn’t single out DeSean Jackson as the sole person responsible for the team’s pitiful performance at Soldier Field on Sunday. He let the entire team have it.

“He got after us all after the game,” the source says. “He told us the truth.”

Andy Reid and DeSean Jackson in happier times.

Reports had Jackson visibly upset when the media entered the locker room and not responding well to Michael Vick and others trying to talk to him. Further reports had Reid and Jackson talking today to mend the fences.

From the sounds of it, the coach was simply mad that the team lost and wasn’t prepared or seemingly taking it seriously. The player was likely mentioned along with others and just took it to heart. Jackson and Reid hate losing, despite what you may think based on their attitudes or comments to the media.

Both men are adults and will share the blame, then move forward and prepare for the Texans on Thursday. Beyond that, there’s no reason to pay attention to this, unless it is a continuing issue. Seriously, how many of us have never had some strong discussions with our bosses? You learn from it and move on.

Bottom line is that Reid didn’t solely single out DJacc.

Marcus Hayes reports that Andy Reid was as pissed off as he’s ever been during his tenure as Eagles grand poobah. He reportedly was so mad at his team that he was shaking after leaving the locker room with his postgame words still echoing off the walls at Soldier Field. Sounds like Peter Laviolette took over Reid’s body for a few minutes.

Good. It’s about time Reid was upset instead of the nonchalant “I have to put myself in a better position to make plays” garbage he usually spills out. Granted, he was still terse with the media. But, you know what? I’ll take that fire from a guy who usually doesn’t show it or have it reported.

Andy Reid was less than pleased with his team's performance in Chicago on Sunday.

The players will take notice that Reid isn’t accepting losses, even “close” ones on the road against division leaders. Reid knows this loss will hurt the Eagles come playoff seeding time. Could cost them a first round bye.

The way the defense played was unacceptable. He reportedly was more upset with the o-line and Vick for the pass protection and interception at the end of the first half. Instead of taking a 14-13 lead into the locker room, the Bears picked off Vick and converted it into a 21-13 lead. Huge swing.

Hopefully, we don’t need to see Reid upset anymore. But, on those off days, it’d be nice to see more of the fire that makes the Eagles coach the best in team history. The fans might respect him more.

During the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game, when John Lynch was gushing about Michael Vick and Andy Reid, the former all-pro safety started to say the truth before correcting himself. He should have stuck with the first version.

Lynch was saying “when the Eagles pushed out…when they traded away McNabb.”

John, I respect you and you should have just stuck with the initial thought. The Eagles did “push” No. 5 out of town for Kolb.

John Lynch should have stood by his initial thought when he started to say the Eagles "pushed McNabb out…" of town.

We’ll try to get the video, but let’s just say that the NFL is anal about copyrights.

In the meantime, let’s leave you with this thought, mr. Lynch and everyone else praising Andy Reid for the Vick move: If winning now was really the key to substituting Vick for Kolb, why not just keep McNabb?

What the national pundits fail to realize is not that people didn’t think Vick was the best QB for the here and now. Instead, it was the fact that this year was about building for the future and developing Kolb — for better or worse. If this season was about winning now, then why not keep McNabb. Playing Vick kind of defeats the purpose of trading a franchise QB within the division, especially if Vick leaves via free agency at season’s end.

Andy Reid’s worst nightmare could be coming true.

New starter Kevin Kolb followed up a putrid preseason with a less-than-stellar first half in the season opener against the Packers before being benched with a concussion at halftime.

Michael Vick brought the Eagles back in the second half before falling short, 27-20. But, Vick moved the offense, something Kolb has yet to show. Before you freak out and say “it’s only one game, calm the F down,” read on.

Now, Kolb will almost assuredly sit next week against the Lions. With all the focus given to concussion in the NFL recently, you can’t start your quarterback a week after suffering a head injury. You definitely can’t start him behind the Eagles offensive line. The Sisters of the Poor would rattle Kolb behind that line.

Kevin Kolb was rattled and knocked out of his debut as Eagles starting quarterback on Sunday.

Suppose Vick plays awesome next week and the Eagles thrash the Lions. Then, Kolb comes back and plays poorly against the Jaguars the following week.

Based on what we’ve seen — and, again, it’s only one game — that’s not out of the realm of reality. Kolb was five-of-10 passing for 24 yards on Sunday. He should have had at least two picks today, as well. Vick, however, was 17-of-24 for 175 yards and a score. Granted, Vick taking over at halftime of a blowout means he may have had an easier time moving the offense. The Packers didn’t gameplan for him and Vick, with his legs back under him, presents a whole new dynamic for a defense to contain.

Still, the possibility of Vick outperforming Kolb is there. That would be a scenario that would keep Reid up at nights. You don’t think there’d be a vocal part of the fan base, that would want to see what Vick could do for this team this year? You don’t think a quarterback controversy would erupt?

Look, we all know the Eagles will start Kolb all year if he is healthy. They didn’t make the switch at quarterback to create a circus. They did it to see if Kolb could develop into the quarterback they think he is.

Still, this is Philadelphia, a city that has become spoiled in terms of having a winning, playoff team to support each Sunday afternoon for the last decade. A team built with young, talented players at the skill positions on offense is expected to score points. Anything less than that from even a first year starting quarterback will be seen as a failure by some.

The astute fan will realize the Eagles are trying to take a step backward to take two steps forward. Whether or not you agreed with the switch to Kolb, the Eagles are where they are and you need to support that. The talking heads on WIP? Well, if there’s a controversy to be created, the King Clown Cataldi will do so.

The writing is on the wall. The debate between Vick and Kolb could be upon us in two weeks.

Oh, and we haven’t even brought up the fact that if Vick impresses next week and Kolb drowns in week 3, that’s precisely the time a certain signal caller in burgundy and gold comes to town.

Yeah, Reid is staring his worst nightmare in the face.

Asked in his weekly online chat to list the top five coaches in the league, Carucci had Andy Reid at No. 2.

“Bill Belichick Andy Reid Jeff Fisher Sean Payton Mike Tomlin/Norv Turner (tie),” he wrote.

NFL.Com's Vic Carucci had praise for Andy Reid, but questioned how prepared Kevin Kolb is to lead the Eagles to success this year.

He also suggested that the team will struggle with first year starter Kevin Kolb, but the future could be brighter. He has the Eagles ranked dead last in the NFC East, but thinks the growing pains will help Kolb.

“I think the Eagles could, in fact, have a long run of success with Kevin Kolb as their quarterback,” he wrote. “I just think his first full season as a starter will be rough for him and for the team. But as long as he is mentally tough enough to overcome it (and I think he is) and the team shows the patience that I think it will show (which won’t be easy given the hysteria that will likely come from fans and media), the Eagles could get back on track within the next couple of seasons.”

In case you were wondering, he has the Cowboys winning the division and the Donovan McNabb-led Redskins taking second place.

According to an internal source quoted in the article, “Joe’s the guy. Case closed.” Now, we are taking that out of context, but that is a strong quote. In context, the source discusses what irks Reid about banner is what Boston Joe says publicly sometimes. Still, the source indicates that Joe rarely loses any real internal debates.

Joe Banner and Andy Reid have worked to make the Eagles a top NFL franchise. Who has the final call? A source says it's Banner.

There is plenty of other juicy stuff in the article — and some boring crap as well. For now, let’s read into this one little portion. If Joe wins out on everything, and he is the one who says what the Eagles can offer players — as Sheldon Brown is quoted as saying — then you’d have to think that if Reid had his way, Brian Dawkins and, possibly, Donovan McNabb are still in Eagles uniforms.

Reid won with Dawkins and McNabb. You think he likes the prospect of entering next year without either guy?

While Reid may or may not have though McNabb was mentally right for Philly, you can bet he’d feel more comfortable with mcnabb behind center, especially if his job could be on the line. And, make no mistake, it is.

Banner is the one who said last offseason, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results.”

If you don’t think that quote had something to do with McNabb being shipped to Washington, you’re kidding yourself. Banner basically took the Tampa Bay Bucs mindset that caused Tony Dungy to move to Indianapolis. Dungy had turned around the franchise but couldn’t get the Bucs past the NFC title game. They fired him, traded for Jon Gruden and won a Super Bowl. I’m sure we all remember that year as it was the Eagles second of four straight NFC Title game appearances.

Tampa made an unpopular move and won a title. Honestly, the Eagles run to the NFC Title game in 2008 likely kept McNabb and Reid here last year.

Now, how was moving McNabb Banner’s decision and not Reid’s? Reid said after the year that McNabb was the starting quarterback. He knows what Mcnabb can do. He, like the rest of us, don’t know Kolb’s full potential or lack thereof. Two games does not make a career. Last year at this time, we all though Kolb was the next second round bust in the Reid era.

Our guess is that, all things being equal, Reid would have made another run with McNabb. But, he also wasn’t going to put his job on the line to keep the only QB he’s known. Banner wanted McNabb dealt and once he inserted his own protege, Howie Roseman, as GM, No. 5 received a one-way plane ticket out of town.

Hard to believe it, but this pipsqueek is the most powerful man of our NFL franchise.

Reid is the guy who brought good football sense to Philly and he’s publicly touted as The Man at the NovaCare Complex. But, Banner is the guy who ultimately determines how the roster is constructed in terms of dollars and cents, and that does play a role in who is on the team. If not, Dawkins, Brown and McNabb are likely still here.

Sunday’s article confirms what we’ve all known for the last three years — Banner runs the team, not Reid. The only question now is this: Is it Super Bowl or bust for Reid? Is there a Jon Gruden on Banner’s radar?