Jeremiah Trotter's role for Philadelphia Eagles against Tampa Bay Buccaneers not fully known

EAGLES UPDATE

Trotter will start, but beyond that …

Jeremiah Trotter will see his first action since playing for the Bucs in 2007. The Eagles said he will start at middle linebacker but did not disclose how much he will play.

Defensive coordinator Sean McDermott, though, emphasized incumbent starter Omar Gaither still figures into the plans.

"It's important to understand that Omar Gaither is a heck of a football player," he said. "And his impact on this defense will not change."

Asked about Trotter, signed during the bye, McDermott said, "It's important that he comes in and handles things one step at a time, doesn't look to try to do too much, just does what his role calls for."

Not even special teams coach Ted Daisher is sure what that role will be.

"I know he is still capable (of playing special teams)," he said. "They're going over his role on defense, and I think that will have a lot to do with whether or not he is going to be available (to me)."

Trotter, 32, said he believes he will play on first and second downs, at least initially.

"I'm not sure how many plays they'll give me," he said. "But however many they give me, I want to make sure I'm ready."

Philadelphia Daily News