Brian

Dawkins

The All-Pro has been bothered by a knee bruise since the open of training camp. He’s returned to practice, but may not suit up until Sept. 12th - week one.

He got $2 million to sign. Dawkins, who’ll be 35 when the new expires, will likely finish his career as an Eagle, just how he started.

The deal is believed to be worth $4.5 million with $3 million in guaranteed money. A five-team Pro Bowler, Dawkins’ contract was due to expire after this season. Philadelphia has done well to extend the contracts of several key players this offseason and Dawkins, a team leader, was made a priority.

Dawkins has always played near the line of scrimmage a lot, but this is taking it to another level. “It was like I was a rookie all over again trying to learn a new scheme for myself,” Dawkins said. “It’s very exciting knowing that I’ll be used in a greater capacity and being around the line of scrimmage.”

Dawkins made a play in the end zone on Randy McMichael and then stayed down. He appeared to be in serious pain and was eventually taken to the locker room.

Dawkins is still limited, but he should be ready to go by the regular season.

Dawkins, who turns 38 on Thursday, will have the bye week to rest up. He didn’t have any wraps or ice on his neck following the game.

If Dawkins (neck) receives medical clearance to play, he is not expected to peddle his wares on the open market. The odds are high Dawkins has played his final down.

Dawkins says he’s 100 percent recovered from last year’s neck injury, but his odds of returning for a fourth season in Denver took a hit after the Broncos signed FS Mike Adams. Dawkins remained an effective player last season, but was increasingly limited by injuries, missing a combined seven games. A nine-time Pro Bowler, he was named a first-team All Pro four times, and was a second-team All Pro as recently as 2009. He spent his first 12 seasons in Philadelphia, and will retire as an Eagle after 37 interceptions, 26 sacks and 1,169 tackles compiled across 224 career games. A media favorite, Dawkins is likely Canton bound.

Dawkins describes his late-season injury as a pinched nerve that simply needed recovery time. The 38-year-old remains undecided about playing in 2012. After Mike Adams signed in Denver, Dawkins may not be welcomed back.