Unlike Joe Montana and Steve Young, though, Garcia couldn't lead the 49ers to a Super Bowl victory.

For the first time since leaving the 49ers after the 2003 season, Garcia is returning to San Francisco. On Sunday, he'll be wearing a Philadelphia Eagles uniform and standing on the sideline as the backup to Donovan McNabb.

Garcia embraced the challenge of following Montana and Young when he signed with the 49ers in 1999. His biggest regret is not leaving with a championship ring. Montana won four,

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -One cornerback wasn't in the NFL last year. Another has never played in a game. The nickel back didn't make the original roster.

Just two games into the season, the Philadelphia Eagles' secondary is decimated by injuries. Lito Sheppard, an All-Pro cornerback two years ago, sprained his ankle in the first series of the season opener. Backup Rod Hood left at halftime last week with a heel strain. Both are doubtful for Sunday's game at San Francisco.

Joselio Hanson would start if both player

The 49ers expect regular left tackle Jonas Jennings to return to the lineup this week from an ankle injury.

Snyder, a Southern California native who played at the University of Oregon, is excited to be part of the 49ers' future plans.

``Its c

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -Jeremy Shockey asked to be taken out during parts of the second half and for the entire overtime of the New York Giants' comeback win against the Philadelphia Eagles last weekend. His injured right ankle hurt too much.

The frustrated Pro Bowl tight end also wondered why he was playing in the final preseason game when the original ankle injury happened in late August.

When asked specifically whether he should have been on the field for the preseason finale, the Pro Bowl tight end

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -Replacing ``The Freak'' won't be easy for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Even with unusual depth on the defensive line, Jevon Kearse's season-ending knee injury is a tough loss to overcome for a unit that excelled in the first two games.

Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson's unique eight-man line rotation has been a tremendous success with the front four producing 12 of Philadelphia's 13 sacks. But losing Kearse could have a negative effect because the former three-time Pro Bowler is the most ski

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -The New York Giants can thank the Philadelphia Eagles if they have a big season.

Philadelphia not only handed New York a win by squandering a 17-point, fourth-quarter lead and losing in overtime, but Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan said Monday that the Eagles might have given the Giants something they can call upon all season - a bond.

``This victory, the way that it came about, almost feels better than if we had just gone and blown them out,'' Strahan said. ``I think to b

Sure, they opened the season by losing the Manning Bowl at home to Indianapolis. Yes, they must travel to Seattle to play the Seahawks next week. No, that doesn't mean their season is over if they lose to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

``It's early. It's too early to say must-win,'' All-Pro running back Tiki Barber said. ``It is one we do need to win. It's a chance for us to get back some of that swagger that we had going into Week 1 and carry it on for the rest of th

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -Brian Westbrook isn't satisfied no matter how often he gets the ball.

The versatile running back is the primary threat on offense for the Philadelphia Eagles. He gets his share of carries, catches more passes than many wide receivers and even returns punts when needed.

In Philadelphia's season-opening 24-10 victory at Houston, Westbrook ran 17 times for 71 yards, caught four passes for 61 yards, including a 31-yard touchdown reception, and returned three punts for 25 yards while fair-catc

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -Rod Hood is the reason the Philadelphia Eagles won't panic over losing Lito Sheppard to an injury.

Replacing a cornerback who was a first-team All-Pro selection two years ago would be a problem for many teams. But the Eagles aren't too concerned about Sheppard's latest ankle injury because they know Hood can fill his spot.

When a severe high-ankle sprain forced Sheppard to miss the final six games last season, Hood stepped in and played well enough to earn strong praise from teammates, co

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -Donovan McNabb looked sharp, a healthy Brian Westbrook ran well and the No. 1 receiver had an outstanding game.

In their season opener, the new-look Philadelphia Eagles sure played a lot like the 2004 team that dominated the NFC and advanced to the Super Bowl.

Only this time, the star wideout isn't Terrell Owens. It's the recently acquired Donte' Stallworth, who is thrilled to be in Philadelphia after wearing out his welcome in New Orleans.

``It was good to see Donovan and Donte' work t