When the Eagles signed receiver/running back Chad Hall to the practice squad in early September, they loved his relentless work ethic and "never say die" attitude.
This week, Hall has the chance to put some of that hard work to use on the field. With Riley Cooper not making the trip to San Francisco, head coach Andy Reid said there's a chance that Hall will be promoted to the 53-man roster to play in that fourth receiver spot. Reid said Hall took the snaps this week in Cooper's place, and would decide who to put in that spot closer to game day. If Hall gets the nod, Reid said, "I think he'll be fine, if we decide to go that route, I think he'd be fine there."
At the very least, Hall will travel with the team to San Francisco for his first official NFL regular season road trip.
"I'm excited," Hall said Friday. "I'm a step closer, but I'm ready. I've been working hard and mentally I'll just have to be sharp on everything.
"Hopefully I'll get the opportunity and I'll make the most of it, that's for sure."
Hall played in each of the Eagles four preseason games this year, catching six passes for 87 yards. He also returned seven punts, averaging 4.3 yards per return. If activated this weekend, it would be Hall's first regular season NFL game. But even if he doesn't get the nod, Hall thinks the experience of traveling with the team will help him in the long run.
"It'll be good for the future, in case this happens again and I'm actually activated and I know that," Hall said. "So it's definitely a good experience either way."
If Hall is out there, the guy throwing him the ball will be Kevin Kolb. Hall and Kolb got some work the last two weeks, with Kolb running the scout team, and the Eagles quarterback expects Hall to contribute if given the opportunity.
"We always have confidence in our guys," Kolb said. "Our thing in the NFL is that it doesn't matter whether you're on the practice squad or if you're on the roster. If you've been in the NFL, you're a good player."
As far as what stands out about Hall, Kolb said the former Air Force standout has a work ethic that can't be matched.
"I think from the word go, (Hall's) work ethic (stands out)," Kolb said. "He's obviously not a huge guy (5-8, 187 pounds), so he has the little chip on his shoulder. You could catch it right away in the offseason. And I'm sure he'll play that way this week."
If this is his week, Hall could have a chance to prove his quarterback right in front of a national television audience.
*-- Posted by Josh Goldman, 1:50 p.m., October 8 *
