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Quron Pratt, Rasheed Bailey get chance to play for Eagles

Quron Pratt and Rasheed Bailey - wide receivers with local connections - figure to receive extended playing time Thursday night in the Eagles' final exhibition game of the season against the host New York Jets.

Eagles wide receiver Quron Pratt.
Eagles wide receiver Quron Pratt.Read more

Quron Pratt and Rasheed Bailey - wide receivers with local connections - figure to receive extended playing time Thursday night in the Eagles' final exhibition game of the season against the host New York Jets.

Yes, their chances of making the team are slight, but each player is looking at the matchup as an audition of sorts.

For any team.

"Like Chip [Kelly] says, if you don't make it here, he wants us to make it with another team. That's his goal," said Pratt, a 5-foot-11, 195-pound wide receiver from Rutgers via Palmyra who was a member of the Eagles' practice squad last year.

With most of the regulars expected to be spectators in East Rutherford, N.J., Pratt is among the many young players who should see increased playing time.

"This game is all about opportunity and to show what we can do, both on offense and special teams," Pratt said. "I can't wait for this game, this opportunity. A lot of people across the NFL don't get a chance because they've been cut already, so I'm just fortunate to be in this position."

Bailey, a speedy 6-1, 205-pound rookie wide receiver who starred at Roxborough High and at Division III Delaware Valley University, will be trying to open eyes. In the preseason, he has eight receptions - second on the team - for 70 yards.

"Every opportunity I can touch the ball or get on special teams, I'm going to make the most of it," he said.

Kelly said because Bailey came from a small college, he wondered whether the NFL game was "going to be too big for him. But he has the skill set to play, and I think he's shown us that."

Another player with local ties, running back Kevin Monangai, was waived Tuesday. Monangai, a free agent from Villanova, led Eagles running backs with 126 yards on 21 carries in the preseason, an average of 6 yards per attempt.

The 5-8, 209-pound Monangai acknowledged Monday that the Eagles had a "very loaded backfield. I've been lucky I've been able to learn from some of these older guys. But if it doesn't work out here, my end goal is to play in the NFL - wherever this journey takes me."

Monangai grew up in Roseland in North Jersey, and his father, William, drove to Green Bay to watch his son and the Eagles whip the Packers, 39-26, on Saturday.

Some players who don't make the 53-man roster will land on the practice squad. If Pratt ends up there again, he won't complain.

"You're one play away from being active," said Pratt, who has no catches and has been targeted just four times in the preseason. "You still get to play football, and you're around the team. I love this organization and just being around the guys. There's a great fellowship here."

@BroadStBull