Eagles' Branon Whiting trying to regain form at defensive end

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) -- Full-contact drills and scrimmages never felt so good to Brandon Whiting.
The Philadelphia Eagles' defensive end practiced Saturday for the first time this training camp after sitting out two weeks with a strained hamstring. Though he won't play in the preseason opener Monday night, simply being able to participate was a step forward.
"I felt like a bystander the first couple of weeks, just watching the guys work hard," Whiting said after the morning practice. "It's good to be back out there and be a part of the team. I felt good."
Wearing a brace on his left thigh, Whiting returned to left end where he recorded 46 tackles and a career-high six sacks last season.
Trouble is, it's not only his spot anymore.
The five-year veteran has missed just five starts since the middle of the 2000 season, but will have to compete with Derrick Burgess and rookie Jerome McDougle for the starting job opposite N.D. Kalu.
With just two practice days next week before the team breaks camp, Whiting said he could wait no longer to enter what has become the one of the most interesting position battles so far.