Brandon Hughes looking to jump through door, if it’s open

If Brandon Hughes is starting Monday night, he’s certainly not telling anyone.

Hughes, plucked off the Giants practice squad in 2010, has always been high on Andy Reid’s radar. He played in 13 games last season, making one start and recording 13 tackles. Now, with Nnamdi Asomugha (neck) and Curtis Marsh (hamstring) nursing injuries, Hughes is the likely choice to step in and fill the void Monday in New England.

“I can’t speak on that,” Hughes said, when asked if he would start Monday. “You prepare to play, you prepare that if somebody goes down or somebody can’t go, that you can step in and do the job.”

Asomugha left Thursday’s practice with soreness in his neck, an injury related to the brutal hit he took earlier in the week. Marsh jogged off near the end of Thursday’s session, while nickel corner Joselio Hanson also exited with a dislocated finger.

If Hughes does get promoted, he would be expected to take Asomugha’s role, which could mean covering All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski. Hughes has seen most of his work on the outside, spending the majority of his time with the Eagles in dime packages.

“When we got no dime, I’m usually the guy that steps inside,” Hughes said.

Either way, he’s ready.

“Anytime you can step on the field, whether it’s at practice or whether it’s a game, it’s an opportunity, no matter who you go against,” he said. “There’s 31 teams, you don’t play all 31 but when you get an opportunity to go up against a guy in this league, it’s an opportunity.”

QB shuffle

With Mike Kafka hurt, Andy Reid will list Nick Foles as his No. 2 QB and Trent Edwards No. 3 vs. New England.
   
Reid on Foles: “He’s a pretty sharp kid, very diligent, works hard, and all of those things. We’ve got a load of plays in for him and he’s able to recite those properly.”
   
Reid on Edwards: “Every day it looks like his arm has gotten a little bit stronger. He’s got a great attitude throughout this whole thing, even when he wasn’t getting many reps.”

Birds starters amped for Monday night

Andy Reid will play his starting unit for the first half Monday — and maybe into the third quarter.
The Eagles are treating the Patriots game as their last dress rehearsal before the regular season begins on Sept. 9 in Cleveland. For an offense that offered two three-and-outs in last week’s opener, Monday can’t come soon enough.

“We want to be as precise as we can be with getting in and out of the huddle, the tempo, and just get a feel for where we’re at most importantly,” said Mike Vick, who went 3-of-4 for just six yards last week. “I think it’s a good test playing against a good defense. They played in the Super Bowl last year, so we’ll have an opportunity to see where we stand.”