Head coach Andy Reid reiterated on Tuesday that the starters will rest Thursday night against the New York Jets. That includes rookies like defensive end Brandon Graham and free safety Nate Allen. Reid also said that backup center Nick Cole will have the night off and Mike McGlynn will "probably not" play.

Quarterback Kevin Kolb said that he's ready for the start of the regular season, even without getting reps in this final preseason affair.

"We feel good about the offense. We haven't been as sharp as we wanted, but we still have confidence," Kolb said. "That's not going to change, but of course you want to play any chance you get. Andy's got his reasons and we believe in his reasons, so we'll stick to what he wants."

Not practicing on Tuesday were defensive end Victor Abiamiri (knee), wide receiver DeSean Jackson (underwent wisdom teeth procedure), cornerback Dimitri Patterson (groin) and defensive end/linebacker Ricky Sapp, who underwent an MRI on his knee and may need surgery according to Reid.

While Jackson didn't practice, Reid said that the back injury he suffered in Kansas City was "feeling better." And there was good news for a different Jackson, Jamaal, who didn't have soreness or swelling in his knee following extensive practice work on Monday. The starting center was full-go in Tuesday's workout as well.

Acquired via trade on Monday, cornerback Jorrick Calvin will play on Thursday night. He may even return kickoffs.

The quarterback duties are expected to be evenly split between Michael Vick and Mike Kafka, with each signal-caller getting in a half of work.

The extensive playing time for the backups will help sort out some of the final roster spots. The key is not to focus so much on offense and defense, but special teams.

"That weighs heavy on those last couple of roster spots," Reid said.

-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 2:35 p.m., August 31