Steelers, Eagles rookies ready for first NFL test

LATROBE, Pa. (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Limas Sweed played countless games in high school and college. Yet tonight’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles will be special.

“All my life I’ve been waiting for a chance to play a game in the NFL, and it’s finally here,” the rookie said a day before his pro debut. “So I think there’s going to be a lot of excitement.”

Sweed is one of a few dozen players on both teams who will be dressing for their first NFL game when the Eagles and Steelers meet in their first preseason game (7:30 p.m., Heinz Field).

But as a second-round pick, Sweed is one of only a handful of first-year players on either side that is all but guaranteed a job once the games that count start next month.

Among the Pittsburgh rookies, Sweed and first-round pick Rashard Mendenhall, a running back, figure to get the most attention and playing time, along with quarterback Dennis Dixon, a fifth-round choice out of Oregon who is fighting for a spot as the third-string quarterback.

Mendenhall will return kickoffs and will get some reps with the first-team offense, though he will play more than that.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said the first-team offense, including quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who had a groin injury throughout training camp, will play no more than a series or two, with the exception of the offensive line.

Sweed is fourth on the receiver depth chart, and Dixon will likely play significantly after Roethlisberger and Charlie Batch exit the game.

“When you talk about what you look for in the first preseason game, you’re looking for young guys not to be surprised by the speed of the game,” Tomlin said. “Hopefully we play to an acceptable standard in terms of assignments but you know the first time out there will be those issues. More than anything, we’re looking for the competitors.”

The Eagles’ top rookies are defensive linemen Trevor Laws and Bryan Smith and wide receiver DeSean Jackson.

Philadelphia coach Andy Reid said Jackson might start if Reggie Brown is not healthy enough to play due to an Achilles injury. Jackson, from the University of California, also will be the team’s top punt returner.

The Eagles have seven other rookie draft picks who will be making their pro debuts and several other rookie free agents.

“The thing you say is, ’Listen, we have 80 guys out here. Obviously, all 80 can’t make it and whether you are a veteran player or you are a rookie, this is a showcase for you,”’ Reid said.

“It’s a showcase to make the football team for those that end up making it, and for those that don’t, you have positive film out there for other teams to look at. You don’t want to let one rep get away from you. You want to play to the best of your ability on every snap,” Reid said.

The Eagles made several trades on draft day and did not make a first-round selection. Their bigger offseason news surrounded the free-agent market, where the team made a splash in signing cornerback Asante Samuel from the New England Patriots.

But Samuel has a hamstring injury and will not play.

Another Eagles starter who will not play is guard Shawn Andrews, who has been absent from training camp for personal reasons. Andrews told reporters he is battling depression.

Tomlin said he expects all the Steelers starters to play, except for safety Troy Polamalu and nose tackle Casey Hampton. Both players have been on the physically unable to perform list. Polamalu has a hamstring injury and Hampton reported to camp overweight.