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11/22/2024 08:34:15 am

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NFL News & Rumors: Tim Tebow, Matt Barkley Prepare For Last Chance To Make Eagles' Final Roster

Tim Tebow

(Photo : Getty Images) Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tim Tebow rushes during their preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens.

There is no other NFL third-string quarterback battle more interesting right now than the one at Chip Kelly's Philadelphia Eagles. With Sam Bradford and Mark Sanchez securely in place as the teams' one-two options at the position, newcomer Tim Tebow is trying to snatch the third signal caller spot from Matt Barkley, who is reportedly on the trading block at the moment.

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Inquisitr noted the speculations that the head coach will use Philadelphia's last preseason game against the New York Jets on Thursday as "an audition of sorts" on who among the two aspiring Eagles will make the team's final 53-man roster.

Tebow and Barkley's competition were said to be close during training camp with the former still struggling with his passing accuracy but was able to provide the Eagles a dimension that the latter was not able to bring: a rushing quarterback that is potentially useful during two-point conversions.

Kelly tried Tebow in a couple of two-point conversion attempts in their last game against the Green Bay Packers, but the 28-year-old former Florida Gator was unsuccessful in both tries, as per CBS Sports. However, many believe that small of a sampling does not mean anything to prove that Tebow is going to be ineffective at such situations.

That is the predicament Kelly is in at the moment with the league's deadline of cutting down rosters to the required 53 fast approaching on Saturday.

It was reported that Barkley will start the game against the Jets, but it is also anticipated that Tebow will get major minutes on the field as well.

While a team's fourth and final preseason game is the most "meaningless" of them all, it has become the most important for both Tebow and Barkley.

"I don't feel any pressure at all," Barkley told USA Today. "I don't think it's anything except an exciting opportunity. I've been in this place before to have to impress and move the ball down the field."

Tebow seemed equally enthusiastic as well saying that he is not "more nervous", adding that "I always get excited, nervous for every time I step foot on the field for practice or a game."

There were reports that Kelly is adamant that he will not keep both quarterbacks in the final roster. Some have even said that the 51-year-old coach might not choose either of them at all depending on the available quarterbacks that are going to be released by others teams come deadline day.

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