PHILADELPHIA -- Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb met with a specialist in Houston on Wednesday for a second opinion on his broken right ankle.

McNabb, injured on the third play in Sunday's 38-14 victory over Arizona, is considering surgery or letting the broken bone heal on its own. The Eagles expect him to miss the rest of the regular season and possibly the playoffs.

However, McNabb said he plans to return this season.

"I'll be back playing,'' he told Houston television station KRIV upon his arrival on Tuesday.

Surgery would involve having a plate or pins inserted to reinforce the broken right fibula. It would allow McNabb to work out while the bone heals, possibly allowing him to return sooner.

If McNabb chooses to wear a cast, he'd face extra rehabilitation time, which might prevent him from returning in the postseason. The Eagles (7-3) have a one-game lead over the New York Giants in the NFC East with six games remaining.

McNabb will be replaced by Koy Detmer, who hasn't started a game in three years. Eagles coach Andy Reid reportedly contacted former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman to see if he was interested in coming out of retirement, but Aikman said he wanted to continue working as a broadcaster with Fox.