Rookie wide receiver DeSean Jackson could start for the Eagles tonight in their preseason opener against the Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.
Achilles tendinitis will sideline receiver Reggie Brown, coach Andy Reid said Thursday morning, leaving one starting receiver spot vacant.
Veteran wideout Greg Lewis is the other potential replacement, Reid said.
"It'll probably be Greg. We'll go situational,"
Reid said.
Even if Brown can go, Reid said the second-round pick would probably run with the first offense at times.
"He'll be in there a little bit,"
Reid said. "He'll have an opportunity."
He'll work in on certain plays with the ones. They're not plays that are designed for him, but he'll work in with that group of players."
Reid also said Jackson, the explosive return specialist from the University of California-Berkeley, would handle punt returns. The first kick returns will be taken by running back Lorenzo Booker.
Jackson is used to returning punts, but bringing back kicks is new terrain for Booker, the second-year pro who was acquired on draft day from the Miami Dolphins.
Special teams will be one of the most scrutinized parts of the game by Eagles coaches.
"I said this early in camp -- that there are going to be certain guys that make this football team because of special teams,"
Reid said. "If everything is equal, or close to, and you're excelling on special teams, then you're going to be the guy that makes this club."
Andrews update
As of Friday morning, offensive guard Shawn Andrews hadn't reported to Lehigh, but Reid confirmed that Andrews will see a doctor for his depression. Andrews went public earlier this week that depression had kept him away from camp.
"That's what he's going to do. Again, it's a personal situation,"
Reid said. "That's what it is, and we're working with him on it."
The wounded
Still bugged by a hamstring pull, cornerback Asante Samuel didn't travel to Pittsburgh. Neither did defensive end Victor Abiamiri, who's still recovering from wrist surgery.
Others left behind by the Eagles were offensive tackle Franklin Dunbar (back), defensive tackles Montae Reagor (knee) and Kimo von Oelhoffen (knee).
