Trot always ready to fill in for Birds

As Donovan McNabb wondered aloud about where the veteran leadership was going to come from, a battle-tested linebacker stood up in the back of the locker room. Jeremiah Trotter’s role is not yet defined on this Eagles’ team, but his voice is ever present.

“As long as guys like me, Akers, Donovan have been around, we’ve been through some tough times,” Trotter said. “We got to keep battling, keep working hard because we know what type of team we have.”

Trotter has been confined to special teams since being badly beat by Oakland tight end Zach Miller on an 86-yard touchdown. But, with Chris Gocong slated to start at strongside linebacker and Will Witherspoon staying at weakside, there’s an opening in the middle. The competition appears to be between Trotter and Joe Mays.

“Whatever they need me to do,” Trotter said, adding he’s open to playing offense. “I practice as if I’m starting every week.”