Darren Sproles is expected to get major touches for the Eagles in 2014. Credit: Getty Images
As far as the preseason goes, this is the climax. Game No. 3 is typically where the first team gets the majority of the reps and fans can get a real feel for the team for the first time. Here are three things to keep an eye on when the game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field:
1. Moving day
Most eyes will be intently tuned to the Eagles first-treamers — watching how LeSean McCoy bounces back from a toe injury and how the defense bounces back from a terrible showing in New England.
But NFL teams are required to cut from 90 to 75 players by Tuesday. Watch the second and third stringers as they give it their all to make Chip Kelly’s roster.
2. Whose healthy at wide receiver?
Philadelphia might have some depth problems at wide receiver when the season starts.
With Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper continuous question marks and Josh Huff expected to miss the rest of the preseason, Jordan Matthews and some other Eagles’ undrafted free agents have a golden opportunity against the Steelers to play their way into Week 1.
3. Backing up the best
Lets be honest, Darren Sproles, who isversatileand will get a lot of touches this season, isn’t exactly LeSean McCoy’s back up. With Chris Polk’s status unknown (he missed practice Tuesday) coach Kelly brought in former Oregon back Kenjon Barner due to his familiarity with the Kelly system.
Will this acquisition light a fire under David Fluellen, Matthew Tucker or Henry Josey? There is no clear backup for McCoy yet. Stay tuned.
