Head coach Andy Reid addressed the media following Wednesday's mock game and announced that wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin will not play in Thursday's preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens, as well as defensive tackles Mike Patterson, Trevor Laws, and Brandon Collier; offensive tackle Winston Justice, defensive end Brandon Graham and safety Marlin Jackson.
Reid said that the first-team offense and defense will play the first quarter and the second-team will play the second quarter. The third-team will play in the third quarter and the fourth-team (mainly the quarterback) will play in the final quarter. Reid also said that some of the second-team players may stay on the field into the third quarter, while some of the third-team players could play in the fourth quarter.
Reid is excited for the rookies to finally be able to showcase their talents in Thursday's game.
"I think they're anxious," he said. "The adrenaline level will be on a different level than it has been out at practice."
Jamaal Jackson will be the starting center over Jason Kelce, Reid said. Vince Young will be the second quarterback and Jason Avant and Riley Cooper will be the starting wide receivers.
Defensive coordinator Juan Castillo has coached the offensive line for the Eagles for over a decade but will be a rookie on the defensive side in Thursday's game. However, Reid says that he isn't too worried about Castillo, who has gotten practice using the headset in practice.
Reid also updated the injury situation regarding a few players. There is no update yet on Maclin, who has not practiced due to an undisclosed illness, and Patterson, who suffered a seizure in practice last week. Despite just undergoing sports hernia surgery on Tuesday, Marlin Jackson could play in the season opener at St. Louis.
The Eagles will host the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday at 7:30 PM at Lincoln Financial Field. The game will be broadcast live on PhiladelphiaEagles.com, and will be shown live on 6abc and on tape-delay on NFL Network at 11 PM.
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