The Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA - Duce Staley accepted that he is no longer Philadelphia's featured running back. Playing perhaps his final game as an Eagle isn't so easy.

"Of course I think about it, because it's a part of me. Who knows what's going to happen?" Staley said. "I see all kind of ways I fit in, if you ask me. The ultimate decision doesn't lie in my hands."

Staley, a free agent, believes his Eagles career is probably over. Before he goes, though, he wants to win a Super Bowl with the only team he has played for in his seven-year career.

The Eagles play Carolina on Sunday in their third straight NFC title game.

"Looking back the last two years, knowing you had a chance to move on and you didn't, it's tough," Staley said.

It has been almost as tough as his season. A three-time 1,000-yard rusher as Philadelphia's primary back, Staley was voted the team's offensive MVP last season.

Then came a 26-day training camp holdout. He was fined more than $100,000 and lost his spot to Correll Buckhalter and Brian Westbrook.

Buckhalter, Staley and Westbrook - nicknamed the three-headed monster - finished with 1,618 yards this season.

With Westbrook out for the playoffs with a torn triceps, coach Andy Reid turned to Staley against Green Bay.

Staley had a 22-yard run on the game-tying drive at the end of regulation, then added an 11-yarder in overtime that set up David Akers' game-winning field goal.

"You've got to be ready when you number's called ..." Staley said. "If not, your number won't get called anymore."