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Fox: Saturday's game crucial for players on bubble

The third preseason game in the NFL is treated by most teams as a final dress rehearsal for the regular season, as starters receive their most extended playing time of the exhibition season.

It's also an important audition for players on the bubble who hope to find a place on the final roster.

For coach John Fox and his assistants, Saturday night's third tune-up against the Bengals in Cincinnati is even more important.

"It's a little bit unique when you're a new staff," said Fox, who was hired on Jan. 16 to replace Marc Trestman. "Truth be told, I've only seen these guys play in two preseason games. I'm talking about feeling the emotion, feeling the energy, seeing their eyes - things that are all important when you sit in my seat. "It's real important to understand your football team. Everybody in the league has to cut down to 75 (on Sept. 1) after this week and then to 53 (on Sept. 5). Those are the guys that you're going into the season with. It's important to choose wisely, and you're evaluating everything."

Coming along:

With first-round pick Kevin White out for at least the first six games, more focus has been shifted to second-rounder Eddie Goldman. The 6-foot-4, 332-pound rookie will be asked to anchor the nose tackle spot the first three weeks with Jeremiah Ratliff serving a suspension.

Veteran defensive end Jarvis Jenkins says the Florida State product is making progress.

"It's like night and day with him, from camp to now," Jenkins said. "Being a rookie, you get chewed out, but you can tell a guy like that, he absorbs that and takes coaching.

"Now they're always preaching to him 'strain. Make sure you strain your body and be physical because that's what you're here for.' You can see it in his play now, he's straining, he's recognizing what people are teaching him, the corrections he's making and it's showing on the field. He's going to be a real good player."

The crucible:

Observing the way in which players respond to adversity is an important factor for coach John Fox as he evaluates preseason performances.

"You look at everybody, young guys and veterans," Fox said. "Events plus your response equals the outcome. Things happen. How you respond usually determines the outcome.

"The other team practices, too. In boxing they go in with the mindset that they're going to win. But you get hit in the mouth, and how do you respond? It's a combative game, and that's part of the training."

Bumps and bruises: Wide receivers Alshon Jeffery (calf), Eddie Royal (hip) and Marquess Wilson (hamstring) did not practice Thursday, joining safety Ryan Mundy (hip) and tight end Chris Pantele (ill) on the injury report.

Of the injured wide receivers, Royal appears to be the only one with any chance of playing Saturday night.

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