Freeley to Start First Game Today

PHILADELPHIA — When the Philadelphia Eagles released A.J. Feeley two months ago, the third-string quarterback didn’t want another team to claim him off the waiver wire.

Feeley got his wish, re-signed with the Eagles and will make his first NFL start against the St. Louis Rams on Sunday in a rematch of last year’s NFC championship game.

“It was somewhat stressful,” Feeley said Wednesday of the time he spent in limbo. “I didn’t want to go anywhere. I was fortunate.”

The Eagles cut Feeley and rookie linebacker Tyreo Harrison on Sept. 26 to create roster spots for defensive tackle Jeremy Slechta and safety Julian Jones because of injuries at both positions. Once Feeley cleared waivers, he immediately was signed to the practice squad and later was added to the active roster.

“We didn’t want to put him on the practice squad,” Eagles coach Andy Reid said. “He understood the situation of why we were doing it. We weren’t disgruntled with him by any means.”

Because of injuries to Donovan McNabb and Koy Detmer, Feeley went from holding a clipboard on the sideline to being the starting quarterback for the NFC East-leading Eagles (8-3).