Eagles Get Set To Close Out Preseason
By Ed Benkin
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Eagles have one more tune-up for the regular season, but most of their regulars will be on the sidelines.
The Eagles will head to the Meadowlands to take on the Jets Thursday night. As is the custom of almost every preseason finale, the top players on each team will rest up for their regular season opener. The result may be less exciting for fans, but for players fighting for roster sports, Thursday will be the biggest game of their lives. Head Coach Chip Kelly insists all of the positions on his team are still being evaluated.
"There's still decisions that have to be made towards the bottom end of the roster," said Kelly. "There's not one that's more important or that we are looking at harder than any of the other positions, so there's a lot of competition still going on and it will be an important game for a lot of guys on Thursday."
While nearly all of the players from the top units will rest on Thursday, one highly-touted linebacker is expected to make his preseason debut. Kiko Alonso has missed the first three games of the preseason recovering from a concussion. He is also recovering from a knee injury which sidelined him in Buffalo during the 2014 season. Alonso is eager to shake off his rust and return to game action.
"I wouldn't necessarily say I need it," Alonso said. "But it's going to be nice to play in a real game. It's been a while, so it will be nice to get out there and play some football."
While Alonso won't have to worry about his spot on the roster, others are not so fortunate. Philadelphia native Rasheed Bailey has been impressive so far in the preseason, but the wide receiver knows he needs to continue with his strong play on Thursday. Bailey says he is keeping his focus on the field while avoiding outside distractions.
"I have no time to get caught in emotions," said Bailey. "I have no time to say I'm that Philly kid because sometimes, that can be a burden. Looking around in the locker room, I see a lot of big people and a lot of big names. I want to be that one day."
After Thursday's game comes to an end, Kelly and his staff will begin cutting the roster down to 53 players. Many believe Running Back Kenjon Barner will be one of the 53 on the roster after several electrifying punt returns in the preseason. However, Barner and the rest of the players fighting for jobs are taking nothing for granted.
"It's an even keel," Barner said. "You don't get too high and don't get too low. That's my mindset. Go out and do the best that I can and make plays and capitalize on the opportunity that these guys give me."
After Tuesday's workout, the Eagles released Running Back Kevin Monangai.
