"The first group will go about three quarters, and then we'll see how it goes from there," coach Andy Reid said Wednesday.

Six days later, when the Eagles wrap up the preseason against the New York Jets in the annual It's a Crime to Take the Fans' Money for This Game, the starters likely will be tucked away safely on the sideline while the younger players try to leave a final impression that might allow them to make the 53-man roster.

One of the things Reid will keep a close eye on tonight is Tony Hunt, who will make his debut at fullback.

"We're going to give Tony an opportunity there and see how he does," Reid said. "If we like what we see, then we'll give him a little bit more. If we don't, then we'll move on to something else."

Given the uncertainty at fullback and the long-term injuries of second-year defensive end Victor Abiamiri and last year's leading receiver, Kevin Curtis, it appears as if the Eagles are going to have difficult decisions to make as they finalize their roster.

A wrist injury will likely keep Abiamiri out for at least the first month of the regular season, and that's also probably the best-case scenario for Curtis, who underwent surgery yesterday to repair a sports hernia.

That means that for at least the first four weeks and possibly longer, the Eagles will have a 51-man roster. That's not ideal, but there are stretches in every season when a team is shorthanded.

With two preseason games down and two to go, here's a projection of what the opening-day roster could look like:

Quarterbacks (3). Donovan McNabb, Kevin Kolb, A.J. Feeley.

This is the easiest position to project.

Running backs (3). Brian Westbrook, Correll Buckhalter, Lorenzo Booker.

Ryan Moats' Eagles career is over.

Fullback (1). Tony Hunt.

Considering how seldom the Eagles line up with a fullback, it would make sense to keep Hunt at this position over Jason Davis, Jed Collins and Luke Lawton. That could change if Hunt proves he's not capable of being a lead blocker or solid pass protector in third-down situations.

Wide receivers (6). Kevin Curtis, Reggie Brown, DeSean Jackson, Hank Baskett, Greg Lewis, Jason Avant.

Despite Reid's proclamation that "we'll be fine there," it's not unreasonable to think the Eagles might deal for another receiver before the season. Failing that, they could keep an extra receiver to start the season, with Michael Gasperson a potential candidate.

Tight ends (3). L.J. Smith, Brent Celek, Kris Wilson.

Matt Schobel is the loser in the battle for the No. 3 role.

Offensive linemen (10). Tra Thomas, Todd Herremans, Jamaal Jackson, Shawn Andrews, Jon Runyan, Max Jean-Gilles, Nick Cole, Winston Justice, King Dunlap, Mike McGlynn.

These are the most difficult offensive positions to forecast. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Eagles cut Justice, because they've already decided that the 2006 second-round pick can't play left tackle. Scott Young, who can play guard and center, could end up making the team ahead of McGlynn or Justice.

Safeties (5). Brian Dawkins, Quintin Mikell, Sean Considine, J.R. Reed, Quintin Demps.

Demps can solidify his job as the kick returner with a strong performance against the Patriots.

Cornerbacks (4). Asante Samuel, Sheldon Brown, Lito Sheppard, Joselio Hanson.

The Eagles might have the best quartet in the league at this position, but given the wide receiver situation, it still seems possible they will try to deal Sheppard before the season. If that happens, Nick Graham may make the team or Demps could work more at cornerback.

Linebackers (6). Omar Gaither, Stewart Bradley, Chris Gocong, Akeem Jordan, Rocky Boiman, Joe Mays.

The Eagles would like to keep Andy Studebaker, too, but there's no room for him right now.

Defensive linemen (9). Mike Patterson, Brodrick Bunkley, Trent Cole, Juqua Parker, Victor Abiamiri, Chris Clemons, Trevor Laws, Darren Howard, Jerome McDougle.

It will come down to McDougle and Dan Klecko. The feeling here is that the Eagles would love to give McDougle one last chance to prove he was worth a first-round pick.

Specialists (3). David Akers, Sav Rocca, Jon Dorenbos.

The Eagles need improvement from all three this season.

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