PHILADELPHIA — Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was back at practice Wednesday and plans to be in the starting lineup when Philadelphia plays Tampa Bay on Sunday.

"I'll be there," McNabb said.

McNabb has been out since breaking his rib in the season opener. He missed two games before the Eagles had their bye this past weekend.

McNabb said he expects to wear a protective jacket or padding against the Buccaneers. He still feels some discomfort when he laughs, coughs or sleeps on his side. Extended periods of sitting and standing are also uncomfortable for the five-time Pro Bowl quarterback, who doesn't expect to be fully recovered for another two to four weeks.

"I don't think I'll be going through this deal for weeks," he said. "In due time, it will heal up and get back to 100 percent. As far as right now, it's something you battle with and continue to grind, but it's nothing that will restrict me in any way."

McNabb was injured scoring a rushing touchdown Sept. 6 in a win over the Carolina Panthers.

"It's sort of like I'm starting the season back over again," McNabb said.

Kevin Kolb, who threw for 327 yards against Kansas City and 391 against. New Orleans in his two starts, returns to his backup role. He was the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 300-plus yards in his first two starts.

"Kolb really did play well," McNabb said. "The offense really rallied around him. Guys stepped up and made plays for him. That's what you want."

Coach Andy Reid says running back Brian Westbrook also should be able to play on Sunday. He sat out the Eagles' last game with a knee injury.

Westbrook and wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin have all had turns at QB in Philadelphia's wildcat formation. Michael Vick has been the team's primary wildcat weapon and was the quarterback for 10 plays in Philadelphia's 34-14 win over Kansas City in Week 3. Vick will continue to be worked into the offense, even with McNabb back.

McNabb endorsed Vick's signing, but complained during a preseason game that the Eagles' heavy use of Vick and the wildcat formation disrupted the offense. He insisted on Wednesday he was fine with the offense if it helped them win.

"The fun thing about is we haven't even touched the surface of what we will do with it," McNabb said. "It's something that's going to benefit us and put pressure on defenses."