PHILADELPHIA - Quarterback Perry Patterson, a three-year starter at Syracuse, signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday.

Patterson threw for 1,865 yards and 12 touchdowns last season at Syracuse, Donovan McNabb's alma mater.

McNabb isn't participating in the team's final minicamp - officially called organized team activities - because he's still recovering from surgery for a torn knee ligament. The five-time Pro Bowl quarterback could be ready for the start of training camp.

“He's getting closer. He's just trying to be smart with it and keep the swelling out of there, which he's done a great job with,” coach Andy Reid said. “And, he's working like crazy. We're just taking little steps with it and being as cautious as we can and have him still be productive in his return.”

Patterson, 6-foot-4 and 242 pounds, gives the Eagles five quarterbacks on the roster, joining A.J. Feeley, Kelly Holcomb and rookie Kevin Kolb.

In addition to McNabb, tight end L.J. Smith isn't practicing. He had surgery for a sports hernia last week.

“I'm not going to put a time on it, but I think he'll be ready for training camp the way it looks right now,” Reid said.

The Patterson file

Yds Comp-Att-Int TDs

2006 1,865 158-300-4 12

2005 1,504 130-273-11 6

2004 1,851 168-259-10 7

Total 5,220* 456^-832^-25 25

* fourth all time at SU

^ third all time at SU