PHILADELPHIA -- Donovan McNabb won't take another snap until it matters. Chad Pennington might not either.
It doesn't mean there won't be plenty at stake when the Philadelphia Eagles host the New York Jets in their last preseason game Thursday night.
Some players are fighting for starting jobs. Others are trying to secure roster spots. A few are hoping to prove they belong somewhere in the NFL.
"These guys are truly getting focused to go out and get a good showing, to show either for the Eagles, or whoever across the league that may be watching, so they can continue to have a job," McNabb said. "Believe me, it's a tough time."
While McNabb and other regulars watch safely from the sidelines, the coaching staff will get a last chance to evaluate players and make important decisions before final cuts are announced Saturday.
For the Eagles, there's strong competition at punter between incumbent Dirk Johnson and Australian football star Sav Rocca. Former U.S. Olympic skier Jeremy Bloom isn't guaranteed he'll make the team as a return specialist. Wide receiver Greg Lewis is getting a chance to return punts, which could increase his chances of sticking around.
The Jets will give quarterbacks Marques Tuiasosopo and Brad Smith one more opportunity to win the No. 3 job behind Pennington and Kellen Clemens. The versatile Smith should make the team either way.
With the trade of Pete Kendall, rookie Jacob Bender, Adrien Clarke and Wade Smith are battling for the starting job at left guard.
"This is a big game. This will be the last chance that I know I have a pretty good chance of playing," Clemens said. "You want to go out there, hopefully finish strong and put on a good showing."
McNabb played two exhibition games and looked sharp in his return from knee surgery. The five-time Pro Bowl quarterback doesn't expect to be 100 percent for a while, but will be ready for Philadelphia's season opener at Green Bay.
"It's steadily improving," he said. "I'm excited about my progression to where I am right now. The way that we've been attacking this deal, of warming it up and being able to do different things before practice, has helped in so many ways. We're going to continue to do that. Hopefully, maybe by midseason, I can say that I'm fully healthy and ready to roll."
A.J. Feeley will start against the Jets and be followed by rookie Kevin Kolb. Considering McNabb has been injured and missed significant time in three of the last five seasons, it's important for both quarterbacks to get more action because they won't get many snaps in practice once the regular season begins.
Pennington could get a series against the Eagles, especially because New York's first-team offense has struggled. But he won't be disappointed if coach Eric Mangini keeps him out.
"What's most important for us is to have a good attitude," Pennington said. "As long as we have a good attitude and come to work every day with that right mental frame, we'll be fine. When you don't have that is when you start to worry. I don't think our guys have a bad attitude. We have a good attitude about where we're going and where we want to go and that's most important."
The teams play early in the regular season at New York on Oct. 14. So, it's likely both game plans will be bland because neither coach wants to give away any strategy or tendencies.
"It's a real opportunity for the players and coaches to put a lot of this information into the bank for when we do face them," Mangini said.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
