Tebow, Barkley competing for Eagles' No. 3 QB job in final preseason game

The Philadelphia Eagles are planning to rest both Sam Bradford and Mark Sanchez for their preseason finale Thursday night, allowing a competition for the No. 3 quarterback job to take center stage.

Matt Barkley, a 2013 fourth-round pick now entering his third season, told reporters Monday that he'll be under center to start the game.

"I'll be excited - first start," Barkley said, according to Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer. "Excited to get in a rhythm early on, get my feet going, get the ball moving. ... I don't feel any pressure at all. I don't think it's anything but just an exciting opportunity. I've been in this place to impress."

The Eagles haven't confirmed any plans for the quarterback rotation, but Barkley can be expected to play the entire first half before Tim Tebow eventually takes over to start the third quarter.

Barkley is the more conventional of the two quarterbacks and more likely to succeed as a passer from the pocket, but Tebow has certainly made his case for consideration.

The former Heisman Trophy winner brings an athletic dimension to the position, giving the Eagles added value as a potential short-yardage and two-point conversion specialist.

Recent reports indicated that Tebow was in position to earn a roster spot after impressing head coach Chip Kelly during training camp and preseason work, but Barkley getting the nod Thursday night suggests the job may still be up for grabs before final cutdowns are made.

Barkley has completed 23-of-43 passes for 306 yards and an interception through three exhibition contests. Tebow has connected on 10-of-19 attempts for 97 yards, adding another 50 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Tebow landing the job would give him his first 53-man roster spot since he spent the 2012 season with the New York Jets.