Rypien Trying Out With Eagles After Peete Ko’d With Injury

Mark Rypien turns 34 years old today. His gift: Possibly an Eagle.

Rypien, the former Washington State Cougar and Super Bowl MVP, will work out today for the Philadelphia Eagles, who lost starting quarterback Rodney Peete for the remainder of the season to a knee injury suffered in Monday night’s setback to Dallas.

After an early morning phone call, Rypien was on a plane for Philadelphia before noon on Tuesday.

“Clearly this is a good opportunity,” Rypien’s agent, Ken Staninger, said. “The deal isn’t done yet, but I can only assume that Mark has stayed in reasonable shape and he’s in fresh spirits. They’ve said he’s the only guy they’re bringing in right now.

“Mark was really excited and he said he’s ready to get back to work.”

Ty Detmer took over against the Cowboys after Peete tore the patella tendon in his knee. The Eagles other quarterback is rookie Bobby Hoying, from Ohio State.

Eagles head coach Ray Rhodes told Philadelphia newspapers that whoever is brought in likely won’t be the starter.

“We’ll see who we get, then decide if that guy is the No. 2 or No. 3 quarterback,” Rhodes said. “I believe we can win with Ty Detmer. We’re going to win with Ty Detmer.”

Rypien, who lives in Post Falls, was especially excited to hear from the Eagles, who toyed with bringing in Rypien weeks ago when Peete suffered a mild injury.

“They have quite a few former (Washington) Redskins,” said Rypien’s wife, Annette. Rypien earned his Super Bowl ring with the Redskins in 1991. “We’re pretty confident. I guess we’ll know more Wednesday afternoon.”

Philadelphia, 3-2 and in second place in the NFC East with a bye on Sunday, is considered a playoff contender.

“That’s another good thing about the situation,” Staninger said. “It’s much better going to a 3-2 team than an 0-4 or 0-5 team that needs a big turnaround to make the playoffs.”

Should Philadelphia decide to sign Rypien, Staninger expects the Eagles to offer Rypien a one-year, incentive-laden contract.

Rypien played last season with the St. Louis Rams. In training camp, Rypien rejected a contract with a lower salary and less generous incentives than his ‘95 package.

Rhodes didn’t rule out looking at former Philadelphia quarterback Randall Cunningham or at disgruntled Atlanta Falcon Jeff George.

, DataTimes