Among the notable players not suiting up for the Eagles against the Jets on Thursday, head coach Andy Reid announced that defensive end Chris Clemons, one of the Eagles' prized offseason acquisitions, won't play in the final preseason game.

Reid mentioned that he wished Clemons had seen more action during the preseason, but that a lingering calf problem has kept Clemons sidelined.

"We know Chris can play, we just have to get him healthy and get him out there," Reid said. "Do I want him to have more reps? Yes, I would love to have him in there. But that's the way it is. He has to catch up when he can."

Clemons joined fellow defensive end Victor Abiamiri, wide receivers Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis, free safety Brian Dawkins and running back Ryan Moats on the injury report. None of them will play against New York, but Reid said each was showing signs of improvement.

Reid's quotes seemed to echo those of defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, who mentioned on Monday how important it was for Clemons to get on the field.

"We want him to be out there," Johnson said. "It is important to Chris. We'll have to see day by day. I don't know how hard he can go, but he needs to get out there and he needs to practice."

Clemons was supposed to suit up on Monday, but according to Reid, Clemons was held out of practice because "his calf locked up on him." His only preseason appearance was in the opener against Pittsburgh.

On a positive note, Johnson mentioned that Abiamiri was progressing nicely after having surgery on his dislocated wrist a month ago. According to Johnson, Abiamiri most likely won't be put on the injured reserve list even though there is no timetable for his return.

"I think his progress is good, from my understanding," Johnson said. "I think he's right on schedule or maybe even a little bit ahead of schedule. We'll see.

"It's been a little bit over a month. I think they took the cast off, they are happy with it so far (but) they don't want to rush it, though. I don't want to get into it; the doctor has to talk about it. From what I understand, he is ahead of schedule."

Further complicating matters is that the Eagles most likely will hold a roster spot for Abiamiri, meaning the team will have some tough decisions to make. The Eagles have to cut the roster down to 53 players by 4 p.m. (EST) Saturday.

"I'm glad he's going to be back this year,"" Johnson said. ""I don't think it's going to hamper us. Hopefully we'll have him back this year. Those are all going to be tough decisions over the next two or three (days). I don't have the answer right now, I really don't. I wish I did."