Chorus: Line weak

Areas to watch in the Patriots' third exhibition game, against the Eagles tonight at Gillette Stadium:

1 . Moving parts on the offensive line. The Eagles are a pressure-based defense, which could be a tough matchup for an offensive line thinned by injuries. The latest trouble spot is right guard, where starter Stephen Neal remains on the physically unable to perform list and top backups Billy Yates and Russ Hochstein have been held out of practice this week. That likely means third-year player Dan Connolly or 10-year veteran John Welbourn will start at that spot tonight. Time is running out for the team to develop some cohesiveness up front.

2 . Possible players returning from the sidelines. Veteran safety Rodney Harrison has not played in the first two games after missing a stretch of training camp, but he practiced Tuesday and Wednesday, creating the possibility he will see his first action. Rookie cornerback Jonathan Wilhite (fourth round) and receiver Kelley Washington also are on the cusp of returning.

3 . Anyone emerging for the No. 2 quarterback job? Two games into the preseason, there is no clear-cut leader in the competition to be Tom Brady's top backup. Second-year player Matt Gutierrez did not play Sunday at Tampa Bay because of a bruised shoulder, but after practicing this week, he projects to be back tonight. He didn't seem to lose much ground to Matt Cassel or rookie Kevin O'Connell while sidelined. It wouldn't be a surprise if Brady sits out his third straight game, but even if he plays, it likely won't be for long after he missed practice last Friday and Tuesday.

4 . LaMont Jordan vs. Sammy Morris. The running game has been inconsistent through two games, and a battle could be heating up for the No. 2 job behind Laurence Maroney with Jordan (19 carries, 76 yards vs. Baltimore) and Morris (5 carries, 10 yards vs. Tampa Bay). If both are on the field tonight, it will be a chance to compare their styles and how they fit into the mix.

5 . Asante Samuel returns to town. The former Patriots cornerback still dons No. 22, so he'll be easy to spot in his first appearance at Gillette Stadium since he left town. A hamstring injury kept him out of the Eagles' first game, but he suited up last week as the starter at left cornerback opposite Sheldon Brown (with Lito Sheppard the third corner).

6 . Tightening up the run defense. After surrendering 170 yards on 36 carries (4.7 average) against the Buccaneers, the Patriots will look to tighten up in the front seven. This will be another test for the linebackers - the inside guys (Tedy Bruschi, Jerod Mayo, Gary Guyton, etc.) to fill their assigned gaps, and the outside (Adalius Thomas, Mike Vrabel, Pierre Woods, Shawn Crable, etc.) to set a strong edge and keep quarterback Donovan McNabb from getting outside.