Safety obviously is a big concern because the Eagles reached into their past in claiming J.R. Reed off waivers Sunday. Yes, it's that J.R. Reed, the Eagles' 2004 fourth-round pick out of South Florida who after a stellar rookie season returning kickoffs and playing in the dime package sliced a nerve in his foot unsuccessfully jumping a fence fleeing an angry dog. Reed had been unable to find a home in St. Louis or New York, the Giants cutting him most recently. Reed's agent, Jonathan Kline, broke the news. Reed has played in just six games since appearing in 14 in his first season with the Eagles. Reed had five tackles in six games with the Rams last year. To make room the Eagles cut undrafted rookie Marcus Paschal and likely will sign him to the practice squad if he clears waivers.

New York Jets castoff Kimo von Oelhoffen (6-4, 299) signed a one-year contract, enabling the Eagles to put defensive tackle Ian Scott and his puffy knee on minor injured reserve. As soon as Scott is healthy he will be released - and eligible to sign with any team willing to put up with his attitude. It's fairly obvious why the tackle-needy Bears didn't want Scott, the Eagles simply unable to push the right buttons to get him to play with some pain.

Von Oelhoffen is a run-stuffer with considerable mileage. The 36-year-old veteran of 14 years has 26.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and 7 fumble recoveries in 192 career games. He broke into the NFL as a sixth round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals, teaming there with current Eagles linebacker Takeo Spikes, and later starred with the Pittsburgh Steelers .

Von O also is a master of malapropism. On his way to South Philly via Delaware County and the Blue Route, the native Hawaiian said he and his family had just visited the King of Persia Mall. It's Prussia, O.

Linebacker Pago Togafau (5-10, 250) is an undrafted rookie of the Arizona Cardinals by way of Idaho State. Linebacker/practice squad candidate Akeem Jordan was released to make roster room.