The vast majority of the starters may not be suiting up when the Eagles conclude the preseason against the New York Jets. However, there are jobs on the line as the rosters will be cut down to the 53-man limit on Friday night. Here are some players on offense fans should keep an eye on Thursday ...
1. OT Demetress Bell - Signed to take over as the starting left tackle, Bell is going to start at left tackle on Thursday only because he is on the second-team offense as King Dunlap gets the night off. Bell may have lost the starting job for now, but he could rally like Danny Watkins did last season when he lost his starting job. At the very least, Bell needs to be ready if an injury happens. This is a good opportunity to hone in on what offensive line coach Howard Mudd has taught him this offseason.
2. QB Trent Edwards - Edwards has been a true pro. He's served as a mentor to rookie Nick Foles. He didn't complain when his reps were limited (if existent at all) during the spring camps and early in Training Camp. With Mike Kafka's injury, Edwards has seen extensive playing time in the preseason. He has completed 67 percent of his passes for two touchdowns and no interceptions for a 96.9 passer rating. He engineered a come-from-behind win over the Steelers. He has NFL starting experience, while none with the West Coast offense prior to coming to Philadelphia. Edwards is scheduled to play three quarters tonight. He is not just playing for the Eagles, although he wants to remain with this team. The league will be looking to see what Edwards can do.
3. WR Chad Hall - Hall can play in the NFL. He's proven that. He's started each of the past two seasons on the practice squad only to end up on the active roster. Hall caught a 16-yard touchdown pass in the preseason finale against the Jets last season. Hall caught a touchdown pass in the regular season finale last year vs. the Redskins. Can Hall find his way onto the 53-man active roster?
4. RB Chris Polk - The rookie free agent is well-versed in the West Coast offense. Polk can run. He can catch. He is a tenacious pass blocker. He offers something different with his style of play as he is a physical runner willing to attack defenders. Another good performance will provide an interesting dilemma for the Eagles.
5. G/C Dallas Reynolds - This is the last stand for the longtime practice squad player. Reynolds is not eligible for the practice squad in 2012. He has played with the second-team offense at both center and guard throughout the preseason. The starting offensive line is set. The reserves are not. A strong performance from Reynolds could give a player who has persevered for three years a spot on the 53-man roster coming out of Training Camp for the first time. He's been on the active roster, but not immediately after the final roster cutdown.
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