Adam DiMichele was in his living room "eating a sandwich" when the phone rang at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon. The Eagles were on the other end, and they were in need of a live arm for Thursday night's preseason opener against New England. DiMichele boarded a 5:30 p.m. flight from Pittsburgh, arrived at Lehigh University later that night and participated in the team's mock game on Wednesday morning.
On Thursday night, DiMichele could see his first NFL action.
"I'm excited about it, of course," said DiMichele, the Temple University product who signed with the Eagles in the spring as a rookie free agent and then was released when the Organized Team Activities finished. "It left a sour taste in my mouth when I was released, so having the chance to go out there and play, I'm going to have fun and let it go. I felt comfortable out here today. It came back to me quickly. I was surprised. I was nervous coming in, but it felt good being out there and being part of it again.
"I don't know how long it is going to last, but I'm going to enjoy the experience and hopefully get a chance and make the most of it. You never know in this business. You have to be ready to go. I'm as ready as I'm going to be."
Head coach Andy Reid is making no promises about DiMichele's career as an Eagle. Donovan McNabb will start and play into the second quarter, if all goes as planned. Then it is A.J. Feeley's turn for however long Reid wants Feeley to play. Maybe DiMichele gets a chance late in the fourth quarter. Maybe not.
In any event, DiMichele may not be around much longer after Thursday. Kevin Kolb is day to day after the game and could be ready for the August 20 game against the Colts.
"It's going to be a great experience, something to remember for the rest of my life," said DiMichele.
-- Posted by Dave Spadaro, 9:53 a.m., August 12
