Head coach Andy Reid prepared the Eagles for Friday's pivotal third preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Wednesday by practicing inside with artificial crowd noise pumped in to simulate a road game situation. When quarterback Kevin Kolb made his two starts last season, both of them were at Lincoln Financial Field.
Kolb's game action, along with the rest of the starters, will be the most extensive of the preseason as he will play through three quarters, according to Reid. Kolb's protection should also be much improved as left guard Todd Herremans will make his preseason debut. Reid said Herremans will start, but not necessarily play as long as the rest of the first-team offense. Herremans has been sidelined as coaches have been cautious with a foot injury.
Running back Mike Bell, who has also been sidelined for the first two preseason games due to injury, will also suit up on Friday.
One of the players battling for a roster spot who is not playing on Friday is tight end Cornelius Ingram. He did not practice on Wednesday because of knee swelling and will undergo an MRI later this afternoon. Other players who will be sidelined are: defensive end Juqua Parker (ankle), defensive end Victor Abiamiri (knee), center Nick Cole (knee) and cornerback David Pender (illness). Kicker David Akers missed Wednesday's practice, like the previously mentioned players, but "should" play on Friday, according to Reid.
Reid also announced that the second-team units will play the fourth quarter.
Guard Max Jean-Gilles has received some reps with the first-team offense at right guard in practice this week, but Reid said not to read too much into that. He said that if Stacy Andrews continues to improve, like he has, he will be the opening day starter.
Reid also explained the decision to promote rookie defensive end Brandon Graham to the first-team defense at left defensive end. He said that Graham "was playing well" and he just "thought it was time to do it." The move is not meant to be a slight to Parker, who Reid said was having an "outstanding camp."
The Eagles will have two rookies - Graham and free safety Nate Allen - start on defense and a third in defensive end Daniel Te'o-Nesheim work in with the first-team nickel defense. Reid said to expect a defensive line rotation that will much more closely resemble a regular season game situation.
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 1:32 p.m., August 25
