Michael Vick to start Eagles preseason opener vs New England Patriots

The Eagles have named a starting quarterback! Sound the alarm!

Well... only for the opening preseason game against the New England Patriots on Friday night. It's official: Michael Vick will be the first QB up.

It probably doesn't mean much. After all, Chip Kelly said yesterday that whoever starts the Eagles first preseason game isn't necessarily "the starter" at QB. And even more, Kelly said today that Nick Foles will start preseason game number 2 against the Carolina Panthers.

Vick will start and split first-team reps with Foles. Foles will start next week. They will probably alternate series.

— Eagles Insider (@EaglesInsider) August 8, 2013

Kelly says between 12 and 20 snaps is ideal goal for both QBs on Friday night. Vick starts because it is his turn in the rotation.

— Eagles Insider (@EaglesInsider) August 8, 2013

As someone who has attended Eagles training camp practices, I can tell you that there's no real significant difference between Vick and Foles. They've each done a great job of keeping it close the whole summer. Having Vick start first doesn't necessarily mean he's ahead. I'm imagining they're giving him the nod first because he's a veteran.

We still have some time to go before the real starting QB is announced, I'd say.

Michael Vick's reaction:

I can’t read anything into it,” said Vick. “Coach, all he told us is I’m gonna start but it won’t be the same next week. So you’ve gotta take it for what it’s worth and keep moving.

Other notes on Friday's game:

• With injuries at offense tackle (Jason Peters & Dennis Kelly), Allen Barbre will start at LT and Lane Johnson will start at RT.

• Chip said the first team defense will likely play the first quarter. Brandon Boykin and Bradley Fletcher are your starting CBs. Cary Williams won't be able to play due to injury.

• Patrick Chung and Nate Allen will start at the safety positions.