PHILADELPHIA - With or without Terrell Owens, the Philadelphia Eagles return to the field Friday for the first time since losing the Super Bowl.

Owens, the flamboyant All-Pro wide receiver, likely will skip the team's minicamp this weekend because he wants a new contract just 13 months after signing a seven-year deal worth almost $49 million.

Owens' new agent, Drew Rosenhaus, declined comment on Thursday. Eagles coach Andy Reid is determined not to let the issue become a distraction.

"I don't know what he's going to do. And I really don't lose sleep over that," Reid said earlier in the week. "I just go forward. If he's here, he's here. If he's not, we move on."

Pro Bowl running back Brian Westbrook and defensive tackle Corey Simon also aren't expected to show up for the practices because of contract disputes. Pro Bowl left tackle Tra Thomas will sit out because of a blood clot in his leg. Quarterback Donovan McNabb will miss the last two days to attend the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner.

Westbrook has until June 15 to sign a one-year, $1.43 million tender. He's seeking a long-term deal, but discussions haven't been promising. Simon was offered a one-year franchise tender worth about $5.13 million, but he also wants a long-term contract.

Westbrook had a breakout season for the Eagles, scoring nine touchdowns and leading the team with 1,515 total yards. Westbrook rushed for 812 yards on 177 carries and led all NFL running backs in receptions with 73 for 703 yards last season.

Simon, who went to the Pro Bowl two years ago, overcame a poor start to finish with 51/2 sacks and 34 tackles last year. The Eagles considered trading him this offseason, but talks with Baltimore broke down.

Owens set team records with 14 touchdown receptions and seven 100-yard games, and finished with 77 catches for 1,200 yards in his first season in Philadelphia after eight years with San Francisco. He broke his leg and severely sprained his right ankle in Week 15 against Dallas, an injury that sidelined him until the Super Bowl.

Owens defied his doctor's advice by returning to the starting lineup against New England just ½ weeks after ankle surgery, and was Philadelphia's best player on offense. He caught nine passes for 122 yards in the Eagles' 24-21 loss to the Patriots.

The playmaking, showboating, brash-talking Owens lived up to his hype in Philadelphia, delivering everything from his innovative touchdown celebrations to his outrageous antics - including a steamy segment with actress Nicollette Sheridan for an intro to "Monday Night Football."

The Eagles selected a defensive tackle (Mike Patterson), wide receiver (Reggie Brown) and running back (Ryan Moats) in the first three rounds of the NFL draft last Saturday.