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BALTIMORE (AP) -- The first string will play half the game, and many of their replacements probably won't survive the last cut. The final score, of course, is irrelevant.
That doesn't mean that Thursday night's preseason game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens is entirely meaningless.
For Eagles running back Correll Buckhalter, it represents a long-awaited return to the NFL. For Ravens top draft pick Haloti Ngata, it's the culmination of a quest that began when he was a child.
Buckhalter has missed three of the last four seasons with knee injuries and hasn't played in a regular-season game since 2003. All those hours he spent rehabilitating his knees, and the anguish he felt while watching his teammates from the sideline, will be shoved to the back of his mind when he takes that first handoff and bursts through the line.
"It's football, so the physical part of things is not a worry for me," he said. "I'm excited to be out here. When they call my number, I'll be ready to go. I feel great."
That's good news for the Eagles (1-1), who will face the Ravens without running back Brian Westbrook (foot injury). If Buckhalter can survive the preseason, he will provide Philadelphia with much-needed depth in the backfield.
"I think he's ready, unless there is a setback from now until then," coach Andy Reid said. "I think he's ready to go."
If Buckhalter gets the ball Thursday night and runs into Ngata, both players should slap each other on the back and congratulate each other. Buckhalter will have made his comeback, and Ngata will be living out a goal he set for himself years ago.
Ngata, a defensive tackle, will make his NFL debut after missing last week's game with a sprained knee.
"It's my first NFL game," he said, smiling proudly. "My parents will be watching me. It's going to be an emotional but exciting time."
The Ravens (0-1) drafted the 340-pound Ngata with the 12th overall pick because they needed bulk in the middle of the defensive line. He's still got a lot to learn, and it's likely he will receive a few lessons from Philadelphia's Shawn Andrews.
"He's going against the best guard in football, so if he plays well against him that's going to be a great sign of things to come," Baltimore defensive coordinator Rex Ryan said.
The Ravens are also interested in seeing how their new-look offense fares against a strong Philadelphia defense. Last week against the New York Giants, quarterback Steve McNair directed the Ravens to a touchdown in his Baltimore debut -- then took a seat.
This week, the Ravens first-team offense will seek to sustain that kind of success for an entire half against a good defense.
"They're in their third game and they're going to play a lot of their starters a long time," Ravens receiver Derrick Mason said. "I've played against Philly a few times, and I know (defensive coordinator Jim) Johnson is going to bring a lot of blitzes."
Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, like McNair, is eager to take another step in getting ready for the regular season. McNabb has thus far played in three series, leading the Eagles to 10 points in two games.
"I feel great just communicating with the guys and seeing good results: first-downs, touchdowns, a big block, whatever it may be," McNabb said. "We're out here smiling, cracking jokes. Everybody is healthy and everybody is kind of looking forward to a great season. We are anticipating the opportunity of getting started."
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APTV-08-16-06 1746MDT
