Sunday was particularly difficult for rookie wideout Donnie Avery. Not only did his sprained right knee keep him on the sideline in Philadelphia, he was witness to DeSean Jackson’s big debut. Jackson, who has made it known that he — and not Avery — should’ve been the first wide receiver taken in the draft, piled up a game-high 106 yards on six catches, and also returned a punt 60 yards in the Eagles’ 38-3 win.

Missing the game was the worst part, Avery said. “Oh, yeah, yeah. Knowing I couldn’t contribute, it was tough on me,” he said.

As for the self-promoting Jackson, Avery took the high road and declined to fire back. “That’s his own opinion,” Avery shrugged. “If he was picked before me, I’d probably say the same thing.”

Avery practiced in full pads Wednesday and is optimistic about playing Sunday when the Giants visit the Dome. Coach Scott Linehan said that if Avery doesn’t make his debut then, he almost surely will next week in Seattle.

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Notes & quotes:

*With Jacob Bell nursing a sore hamstring, Adam Goldberg worked at left guard with the first unit Wednesday.

*DE Chris Long practiced with a padded wrap covering the broken pinkie on his left hand.

*Long moved over to left end in practice, where Leonard Little (hamstring) is the starter, and James Hall was on the right side. Hall is more comfortable there, defensive coordinator Jim Haslett explained. Little is unlikely to suit up vs. the Giants.

*Recently acquired CB Ricky Manning Jr. got in some work with the regulars in the 11-on-11 drills. Last week, he was limited to the scout team.

*Donnie Jones sported a large wrap around his bruised right knee and didn’t practice. Fortunately, Jones punts with his left leg and should be fine for Sunday’s game.

*Good news for two former Rams: wide receiver Marques Hagans was promoted to KC’s 53-man roster from the practice squad, and QB Jamie Martin signed with the 49ers, where he’ll reunite with Mike Martz.

All for now . . .