For months I've said rookie quarterback Kevin Kolb would play this season.

Backing up Donovan McNabb in the season opener puts Kolb ahead of even the ambitious schedule this blogger initially had for him.

With A.J. Feeley unable to take snaps comfortably, the ball banging against his broken and heavily padded left hand, it's Kolb who's one snap away from actualizing the plan the Eagles had when they selected him in the second round of the draft.

The Eagles designated Feeley the third quarterback, which in the NFL is the equivalent of being scratched.

Speaking of scratches the Birds deactivated guards Scott Young and Max Jean-Gilles, and tackle Pat McCoy, opening the door for left tackle Winston Justice to suit up for his first game. Last year it was Young who dressed.

Eagles tight end L.J. Smith dressed.

Mildly surprising was the deactivation of rookie defensive end Victor Abiamiri, the second-round pick who had an excellent training camp and preseason. The Birds decided to go with four defensive ends (starters Jevon Kearse and Trent Cole, Juqua Thomas and Darren Howard) and four tackles (starters Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson, Montae Reagor and Kimo von Oelhoffen.

The Eagles also scratched cornerback Nick Graham, linebacker Pago Togafau and defensive tackle LaJuan Ramsey.

The Packers scratched starters Vernand Morency (running back) and Greg Jennings (wide receiver). Rookies Brandon Jackson and James Jones started at running back and wide receiver.