"As the clock ticks only toward more uncertainty in what is perhaps the most confusing labor stoppage in this country's history, some Philadelphia Eagles are just focusing on the things they're able to control.

And as could be plainly seen by various fans and reporters who have journeyed to the municipal park in Marlton, N.J., where the players have been holding their own practices in lieu of ones that are temporarily not allowed to be held by the team, what they can control is not much.

Only two members of the roster, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin and third-string quarterback Mike Kafka, showed Thursday for a mini passing camp. Fortunately they were helped along by St. Louis Rams receiver Danario Alexander and undrafted free agents Marcus Harris of Murray State and Kevin Rutland of Missouri, friends Maclin brought with him. Harris is a receiver and Rutland a cornerback.

Because of the extremely low body count, their workout didn't even last an hour.

The turnout has been significantly higher for players of other teams who have organized similar practices and workouts in this NFL lockout.

But Maclin did not appear to be fazed.

"When you're doing a passing camp like this," Maclin said, "I think the guys that should show up are the quarterback, running back, tight ends, receivers. I don't see no reason that you should have the whole defense on the other side of the ball or the linemen up there going through their things. There's no reason for that.

"So more power to other teams if that's what they feel like is necessary to be successful."

Added Kafka: "The defense can take care of themselves."

Meanwhile, the players are still not sure what to make of the news this week that some owners and players and NFLPA chief DeMaurice Smith have been holding clandestine meetings at the urging of Chief Magistrate Judge Boylan.

A hearing in St. Louis on the NFL's appeal of a ruling blocking its lockout begins Friday. Lifting the lockout was delayed by an appeals panel until the full appeal could be heard. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Smith and several owners are expected to be in court Friday. But the 8th District's Court of Appeals is not expected to rule on the legality of the lockout for weeks."