As training camp continues to move steadily along, the next benchmark for the players and coaches is next Friday's opening preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field against the Jacksonville Jaguars. After a while, only so much can be gleaned from the players working against the same group of guys every day in practice, so the preseason tilts will no doubt weigh heavily on the many roster decisions ahead for the coaching staff.

"I'm curious to see how they play in the games," head coach Andy Reid said following Saturday's morning session. "We're getting to the point now where you're entering those dog days of two-a-days with the light at the end of the tunnel of (Friday, August 13) with a game. So I think they're all battling through these next few days so they can have an opportunity there and I think as coaches we look forward to seeing how they play in the game."

As far as playing time in that first game, Reid said he doesn't think his philosophy will change even though he has a first-year starter at quarterback.

"I think I'm going to keep it about the same," he said. "I'm kind of working through that right now with the coaches. Normally we'll start off with a quarter or so in that area with that first group. But I'm kind of working through to see where we're at with that."

As for what he's already seen on the practice field, Reid noted a few players for having impressive camps so far, including defensive tackle Trevor Laws, who has worked his way into the first-team nickel defense. Cornerback Dimitri Patterson also had a stellar day of practice, jumping a route and picking off Kevin Kolb when he was working as the first-team left cornerback in the nickel defense.

"Dimitri I think is doing a good job," Reid said. "He completely read that play and that was a nice job on his part. We've got to be able to back him off a little bit there with our route. He did a nice job right there."

On the injury front, four players participated in the first half of practice through the group install sessions: Nick Cole (sore knee), Ricky Sapp (knee swelling), A.Q. Shipley (ankle) and Mike Bell (hamstring).

J.J. Arrington (foot strain), Antonio Dixon (concussion), Macho Harris (hamstring), Jeremy Maclin (knee) and Asante Samuel (hamstring) all missed practice. Reid said that Dixon is doing very well and could see the field soon and that Maclin ran for the second straight day. Meanwhile, Harris probably is the furthest away of the aforementioned players.

And the three players on PUP, Todd Herremans (foot), Jamaal Jackson (knee) and Victor Abiamiri (knee) are all improving.

Tweet-cap

"RB Mike Bell back at practice today. He'd been sidelined with a hamstring injury."

"Watching LB cover RBs TEs: Chaney very impressive in coverage, Jordan too. Celek Harbor getting open."

"Cornelius Ingram also looking more explosive than the past couple days, getting his legs back."

"Are you at training camp? First 5 fans to head to PhiladelphiaEagles.com tent and show this tweet get a 2010 yearbook."

"Special Cat red zone: 3s on 3s, Kafka hits Washington on a post for a TD, beat Demps Coleman."

"Trevor Laws continues to be one of the stars of camp so far. At least 2 sacks already today."

"Dimitri Patterson, having an impressive practice, just picked off Kolb working as #1 LCB in nickel."

"Injuries: Half practices for Cole (knee), Sapp (knee), Bel (hamstring) and Shipley (ankle). Maclin (bone bruise) ran for 2nd straight day."

"Also out: Arrington (foot), Dixon (concussion), Samuel (hamstring) and Macho (hamstring). Macho furthest away at this point."

"Coach Reid spoke highly of Laws, D. Patterson Sims. Also said both backup TEs have been good, but Harbor is a bit ahead as a blocker."

-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 11:18 a.m., August 7