FanHouse Todd Pinkston

The Eagles have a long history of whiffing on wide receivers drafted in the first (or second or third) round. Quarterback Donovan McNabb arrived in Philly in 1999, and since then the front office has welcomed Todd Pinkston, Freddie Mitchell, Billy McMullen, Reggie Brown, DeSean Jackson, and last month, Jeremy Maclin.

If nothing else, the organization has gotten better at finding talent at the position, although it would take some effort to do worse than FredEx. Brown (a 2005 second-rounder) and Jackson (taken in Round 2 last year) have shown the most promise, but neither is a No. 1 wide receiver. And neither have to be; the flexibility of the West Coast Offense is accommodating like that.

Dear Niner Gods,

It's me, Chad again, sorry to bother you all, but I'm in dire need of assistance. I'm not sure if you guys are aware of this but ESPN's Len Pasquarelli is reporting that the Eagles have given Todd Pinkston permission to seek a trade. The latest reports coming in are that as of Tuesday afternoon, three teams had indicated an interest in Pinkston. At least two of the three teams who need help at the receiver position feel Pinkston is a starter, if he is healthy.

Now I'm not positive that the 49ers are one of the three teams interested in Pinkston, but looking around the league, I do not see a team that needs solid receivers more than the 49ers. So if there is anyway you could make sure Nolan doesn't trade for Pinkston or have Pinkston tweak his hamstring, that would be great. I know I've said some harsh things to you all after you didn't answer my prayers when I asked that either Ashley Lelie or Donte Stallworth get traded to the 49ers, but you all did come through on the trade of Kevan 'Twinkle-toes' Barlow, and I thank you for that. I promise, that if you make sure the 49ers do not trade for Pinkston, I'll never ask you for anything ever again.

UPDATE: It looks as if the Niner Gods are answering my prayers. Maybe now I should pray that they don't even bring him in for a tryout.

The last action Todd Pinkston saw in a game was in the Superbowl. Remember that? The Eagles, not too long ago, were in the Superbowl. Tomorrow night the Birds will go up against the defending Superbowl champs in a preseason tune up. It will likely be the last action any of the starters will see before the start of the season.

There has been talk of Pinkston possibly not even making the team due to his nagging achilles injuries. Friday night will be a very pivotal game for Pinky and the Eagles receiving corp.

Other noteworthy news: Brodrick Bunkley, the Eagles stud first rounder, will get the start. Correll Buckhalter, starting at running back, will also get his shot to show he belongs on the Eagles roster.

Friday will also bring back fan favorite Duce Staley to South Philly. An NFL.com report says there is a good chance that Duce will get released by the Steelers and discusses the Eagles propensity to bring back former stars on their last leg.

Pittsburgh's depth at the position makes it possible for it to deal Staley. Yet if Staley is sent packing from Pittsburgh either through a trade or a release, one possible landing spot would seem to be the Philadelphia Eagles who, to date, have not had any trade conversations with the Steelers. Should Staley be released, and it is within the realm of possibility, the Eagles could be on the list of teams interested in his service

Duce was an integral part of the Eagles for years, but at this point does he have anything left?

>>Pinkston debut; Bunkley starts [Eagles.com]
>>Many happy returns for Staley and Eagles? [NFL.com]