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PHILADELPHIA -- Terrell Owens was excused from attending the Philadelphia Eagles' charity carnival Sunday because of a groin injury. Left tackle Tra Thomas also was excused because he has back spasms.

Owens missed several practices in training camp after injuring his left groin. However, he was exiled for a week after a heated dispute with coach Andy Reid in which part of the argument stemmed from Owens' refusal to sign autographs with the rest of the receivers following a practice at Lehigh University.

Owens missed the first preseason game because he wasn't with the team and was held out of the second one to rest his injured groin. He had five catches for 131 yards, including a 64-yard touchdown catch on the first play from scrimmage in Friday night's win against Cincinnati.

After the game, Reid said Owens "tweaked" his groin. He made it through most of Sunday's practice, but sat out the end.

"It happened last year," Reid said. "He works through it and does a bunch of exercises before practice to get that thing loose. He will be fine. I think the more he continues to play and practice, the better shape he will be in and he will be ready to go."

Thomas missed most of training camp because of a blood clot in his leg. He made his first appearance in a game against the Bengals, but left in the first quarter after his back acted up.

"We just have to keep an eye on it," Reid said. "It happens once or twice a year, so we will keep an eye on it. His weight is down and he really is in good shape, so he will bounce back."

Defensive end Jerome McDougle, who hasn't been with the team since he was shot on the eve of the start of camp, is on his way to Philadelphia.

McDougle was shot in the stomach after three armed robbers approached him while he was sitting in his silver Mercedes coupe in southwest Miami on July 28. McDougle had surgery and was discharged from the hospital after five nights in a trauma center.

A former first-round pick who was plagued by injuries in his first two years with the Eagles, McDougle was expected to be a starter this season. Reid said he could be ready to play by the fifth or sixth game.

"I think, by talking to the doctor, that he will be fine and he feels good," Reid said. "We will see when he gets up here and starts doing work."

Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press

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