Eagles Lose Another Star in Thomas

Philadelphia left tackle Tra Thomas will sit out the rest of the season after he was put on injured reserve Friday, the team’s third Pro Bowl player added to the list this week.

Thomas, who battled back from problems most of the season and missed part of training camp while taking medication for a blood clot in his leg, will undergo disk surgery. He will be replaced in the starting lineup by Todd Heremans, a rookie who worked with the first team during the exhibition season when Thomas was sidelined.

Thomas is the 11th Eagle player to go on injured reserve; the team added quarterback Donovan McNabb (hernia) and cornerback Lito Sheppard (ankle) on Tuesday.

*

San Diego tight end Antonio Gates practiced for the second day in a row and reported no setbacks with the sprained right foot that has him listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against Washington.

Gates appeared to be moving well during the portion of practice open to the media.

“It was basically the same as yesterday -- it got a little bit better,” Gates said. “I think it’s still going to be a game-time decision for us.”

*

St. Louis offensive tackle Orlando Pace missed practice for the second day in a row because of a hamstring injury but remained optimistic he wouldn’t miss any playing time.

Pace hurt his left hamstring Wednesday when he said a teammate stepped on his foot.

*

Pittsburgh left tackle Marvel Smith, who sat out Sunday’s game against Baltimore because of a sprained ankle, is expected to return to the lineup for the Steelers’ game against Indianapolis.... San Francisco signed kicker Jose Cortez after Joe Nedney developed a groin injury in practice. The 49ers waived fourth-string quarterback Jesse Palmer to make room for Cortez.

Cincinnati waived fourth-year cornerback Reggie Myles, replacing him with rookie Patrick Body. Myles had a fight last week with teammate Carl Powell, a defensive lineman, and was penalized in successive games against Houston and Jacksonville.... New England Coach Bill Belichick returned to practice after attending his father’s funeral.