Brandon Meriweather’s long-awaited Redskins’ debut could come against the Eagles. But a final determination won't be made until later in the week, Coach Mike Shanahan said Monday.

“He was limited, but I was encouraged,” Shanahan said. “I hate to say that [he’ll play] until we start practicing. We’ll get a chance to evaluate that on Wednesday and Thursday. I was glad he was out there today. It was a good sign.”

Meriweather sprained two ligaments in his left knee the week before the season opener, then reinjured himself in a freak pregame collision with teammate Aldrick Robinson in Tampa.

This, however, is the best Meriweather has felt since the offseason.

“I’m feeling good about it,” Meriweather said of playing Sunday. While most his teammates traveled home during the bye week, the 28-year-old spent his five day break in Ashburn receiving treatment and working out.

If he's able to play against the Eagles, the safety could help stabilize a struggling secondary that ranks 30th in passing yards allowed and last in touchdowns yielded through the air (20) -- with his talent and enthusiasm, he said.

“We don’t look like we’re having fun,” the outspoken veteran said of the Redskins' defensive backs. “I think just the way I approach the game and the way I play the game, I think I bring a little more excitement.”