PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles are holding out hope that quarterback Donovan McNabb might be able to play in their home opener against the New Orleans Saints.

Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Morninweg said before Thursday's practice that McNabb has been "working hard" and "doing everything in his power to get back out there."

McNabb fractured a rib on a touchdown run late in the Eagles' 38-10 win over Carolina last Sunday. He was on the practice field for the team's walkthrough Thursday morning, but did not partake in it.

If McNabb does not play Sunday, third-year quarterback Kevin Kolb would make his first NFL start. Kolb was the team's second-round draft pick in 2007.

Veteran quarterback Jeff Garcia, signed Tuesday, would be the back up.