NFL insider

When former Giants receiver Steve Smith signed a one-year, $4-million contract with the Eagles, he thought he would be ready to start the regular season after recovering from knee surgery. It appears the former Giants receiver is spot on with that timetable. Smith practiced yesterday for the first time since joining the Eagles and said he is on track to play in the opener against St. Louis.

"I think I'll be able to, [but] it's up to what the coaches and trainers want me to do," Smith said after practice. "I'm feeling good, and as long as we have no setbacks, that's what I'm shooting for."

Smith wasn't the Eagles' only receiver to return to practice yesterday. Former first-round wideout Jeremy Maclin, who was cleared by doctors after being stricken with an unknown illness, also caught passes from Michael Vick.