(AP) - Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Limas Sweed has played countless football games, but none like Friday's preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.

That's because it will be Sweed's first NFL game -- and the first chance for Sweed and other rookies to prove they belong in the league.

Sweed is a second-round draft pick, so he figures to have a better chance of making the team than some lower picks and rookie free agents.

Running back Rashard Mendenhall and quarterback Dennis Dixon, both rookies, also figure to get a close look for the Steelers.

The Eagles' top rookies are defensive linemen Trevor Laws and Bryan Smith and wide receiver DeSean Jackson.

Philadelphia coach Andy Reid says Jackson might start if Reggie Brown is not healthy.

(Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved)