Hollis

Thomas

He’ll start over incumbent Brian Young and injured Rodney Leisle.

The depth of Philadelphia’s defensive line is being tested tonight and will for the rest of the season.

He may not return for Philadelphia’s playoff run. It will be interesting to see if teams can run straight at the Eagles because of all their injuries.

That would mean returns from DT Hollis Thomas, DE Derrick Burgess, and G Jermane Mayberry.

Thomas had one of the best quotes of the preseason yesterday. When asked what he really weighs, since the 306 pounds listed is clearly wrong, Thomas replied that he wouldn’t say because ''you’d print that in the paper and the chicks won’t think I’m small anymore.’'

The talented tackle is unhappy with the restructured contract he signed in 2003. He believes it contains too many unreachable performance incentives because his snaps are limited by the Eagles defensive tackle rotation.

Thomas still wants a new contract, but he will stop skipping team functions. This is the last chance for Eagles veterans to get together before training camp.

A nice pickup for the Saints, who have struggled against the run. Clancy, 28, is a quality run-stopping tackle who should contribute behind Hollis Thomas. The addition could be bad news for either Antwan Lake or Rodney Leisle.

Clancy will be asked to occupy blockers and guard against the run, his specialty. Thomas has been overweight since training camp opened. Antwan Lake will start next to Clancy while Brian Young recovers from foot surgery.

Thomas knows coach Steve Spagnuolo’s system from their Philadelphia days. The Lions, Eagles, and an undisclosed fourth club (we’re guessing the Falcons) are also in the mix. Thomas, 35, plans to choose a team this week.