NFL Eagles still have issues to resolve

Their top running back is still holding out and they have to decide on a punter.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
PHILADELPHIA -- With one preseason game left before the season opener, the Philadelphia Eagles still have some issues to resolve.
A 24-12 loss to the New England Patriots on Friday night was costly because several players were injured, including wide receiver James Thrash (concussion, neck strain), defensive end Jamaal Green (broken fibula), linebacker Carlos Emmons (ankle sprain) and defensive tackle Paul Grasmanis (concussion).
Except for Green, the fourth-round pick from Miami, the Eagles don't expect any of the others to miss the opener against Tampa Bay on Sept. 8.
But the Eagles still have other concerns.
Duce Staley's holdout reached 27 days on Saturday, but could finally come to an end soon. Indications are the running back will report this week, possibly today.
Because the Eagles are unwilling to trade Staley or offer him a contract extension, he can either show up or sit out the entire season, lose his salary of $2.2 million and still owe the team a year on his contract.
When he returns, Staley might not immediately step into his starting role, however.
Inconsistent punters
The Eagles must decide on a punter, Kyle Richardson or Dirk Johnson. Both have been inconsistent throughout camp and neither was spectacular on Friday night.
Richardson averaged 40.5 yards per punt with a net average of 31 yards. Johnson averaged 43.0 yards with a net of 33 yards. It's possible the team will scan the waiver wire to find someone who is cut by another team.
If Brian Westbrook, who has missed two games with a knee injury, isn't ready to start the season as the No. 1 returner, the Eagles could have a problem on special teams. Lito Sheppard fumbled a punt against the Patriots, but that was his first big mistake. He also returned a punt 88 yards for a touchdown in the preseason opener.
The depth of the defensive line will be tested with the loss of Green and a foot injury to Derrick Burgess, who missed almost all of last season with a broken foot.
The Eagles are counting on Burgess' return and the addition of first-round pick Jerome McDougle to help alleviate the loss of three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Hugh Douglas.
Donovan McNabb and the rest of the starters on offense played well in their first two games, but only got three points against New England. The offense, though, moved the ball well at times, and wasn't using a true game plan because they'll meet the Patriots in Week 2.
Cowboys
IRVING, Texas -- Quincy Carter was named the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys after two consistent and turnover-free preseason starts.
"I do think Carter gives us the best chance right now," first-year Cowboys coach Bill Parcells said Saturday. "Hopefully, he will continue to improve as he has through the course of the camp."
Parcells chose Carter over Chad Hutchinson, who started the last nine games last season after replacing Carter.
In the last two preseason games, Carter has completed 18 of 29 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns.