On Thursday night, the Eagles will play their third preseason game of 2014 as the in-state rival Pittsburgh Steelers come to town. Of course, preseason game number three normally bears the strongest resemblance to a regular season contest. Add in the first game action for the revitalized Lincoln Financial Field, and it's clear that Eagles fans have a lot to be excited about on Thursday evening.

Before all of the action gets underway on the field, Eagles Insider Dave Spadaro took to Twitter for his weekly #AskSpuds Q & A. In this edition, Dave previews the Steelers and looks ahead to the rapidly approaching start of the 2014 regular season …

Let's talk #Eagles! Time for some #AskSpuds questions. I'm ready. Hit me! — Dave Spadaro (@davespadaro) August 21, 2014

Setting The Stage For The Steelers

Nothing official, but I expect deep into 2nd Q RT @KennyCruzDixon: how long will the starters play tonight? — Dave Spadaro (@davespadaro) August 21, 2014

Impossible to zero in on one, but let's start with D on third down RT @robcob61890rob: what's the one thing you'll be looking for tonight? — Dave Spadaro (@davespadaro) August 21, 2014

I think he will get a look at some point RT @Vanshb10: whos returning kickoffs? Barner? — Dave Spadaro (@davespadaro) August 21, 2014

Both WRs expected to play RT @jaredlavelle3: will starters play some of the game maybe one quarter is cooper or maclin playing as well? — Dave Spadaro (@davespadaro) August 21, 2014

I think it's possible. I think team would like to see them on field RT @MaxyBrooks: will barner or parkey play tonight #AskSpuds — Dave Spadaro (@davespadaro) August 21, 2014

I hope everyone. Group needs to be a lot better overall, right? RT @DillyDapper26: who will step up on defense in tonight's game? #AskSpuds — Dave Spadaro (@davespadaro) August 21, 2014

I'm sideline reporter doing a clear skies dance RT @russman30: Weather for tonight is not good maybe lightning in the area. I guess they... — Dave Spadaro (@davespadaro) August 21, 2014

I expect both WRs to play tonight RT @JosephMalone: Odds we see Maclin and/or Cooper active tonight? — Dave Spadaro (@davespadaro) August 21, 2014

The Best Of The Rest

Fernando Valenzuela interview long ago RT @realprinceblue: who was the first celebrity that made you feel like you have arrived? #AskSpuds — Dave Spadaro (@davespadaro) August 21, 2014

I think he will be impact player with offense. How to cover him? RT @jgindele1: will D Sproles have as big impact as I am hoping/ expecting? — Dave Spadaro (@davespadaro) August 21, 2014

I liked it. Good experiment RT @Jacobh101: what's your thoughts on the longer XP? Do you think it's something that needs changed? #AskSpuds — Dave Spadaro (@davespadaro) August 21, 2014

Good question. Needs two more big games. Preseason not over RT @SouthJerzMick: whats the future hold for henry josey? can he make the team? — Dave Spadaro (@davespadaro) August 21, 2014

hmmm ... Brandon Bair at DL? RT @SypherKyle: who do you see as a dark horse to make the team that no one is talking about — Dave Spadaro (@davespadaro) August 21, 2014

This is a very good offense and O line RT @vdem608: Will the Offensive line hold the defense this year for Foles/Sanchez? plays in presea... — Dave Spadaro (@davespadaro) August 21, 2014

Cuts start on Tuesday to 75 players RT @EthanfromNJ: When do cuts start? Isn't tonight the last opportunity for most players to shine? — Dave Spadaro (@davespadaro) August 21, 2014

I enjoyed watching. Good work vs good team RT @justinccooper: #AskSpuds What did you think about practice with the Pats? Good choice? — Dave Spadaro (@davespadaro) August 21, 2014

Thanks for a great #AskSpuds session. Stay tuned for a great preseason game tonight! — Dave Spadaro (@davespadaro) August 21, 2014