At first, I thought my sunglasses were dirty.

Just like that, Eagles Pro Bowl safety Brian Dawkins was playing football, the game many believed he'd walk away from after his neck stinger.

Dawkins practiced Thursday for the first time in 32 days, albeit with the scout team.

Dawkins had been sidelined since losing feeling in his arms and shoulders after delivering a blow in the Eagles’ second game of the season against the Washington Redskins.

Only a week ago Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard got back on the field with the scout team after a lengthy rehab for a sprained medial collateral ligament in his knee. Sheppard said he probably could have played last week against the New York Jets but that the extra week helped.

While Sheppard, barring a setback, will start Sunday when the Eagles entertain the Chicago Bears, Dawkins might also be able to get back on the field. Andy Reid said Dawkins, who recently turned 34, had been diligent in his conditioning work during his absence.

Adding Dawkins to the mix at safety might enable the Eagles to use Quintin Mikell more on special teams to defend against Bears elite kick returner Devin Hester.

Left offensive tackle Tra Thomas (knee) and tight end L.J. Smith (groin) didn’t practice Thursday.