McNabb says he will start on Sunday

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb said Wednesday he would start this Sunday's game with Tampa Bay even though he still suffers from a cracked rib.

McNabb was injured during the season opener against Carolina and has been out of action since.

He said he will be wearing extra padding to protect the rib.

"I will be trying out some different padding," McNabb said. "I haven't really worn anything like that in the last six or seven years. We'll see how it goes. When it comes to rib injuries, it's about a six-to-eight-week deal before it heals. I don't think I'll be wearing this stuff for the whole season.

"I still feel something, but it's nothing like I felt in weeks prior."

Kevin Kolb started two games in McNabb's absence. The Eagles lost in the second week of the season against New Orleans, but Kolb threw for 327 yards and two scores along with a rushing touchdown in a 31-14 win over Kansas City.

The Eagles had last week off.

McNabb played in all 16 regular season games last season, the first time since 2003 he has gone an entire campaign without an injury.