Eagles' Patterson will play Thursday vs. Browns

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Mike Patterson said hell have no trouble putting his scary training-camp episode behind him when he plays in a game.

Patterson will get that chance Thursday night.

The veteran defensive tackle, who was diagnosed with a brain AVM after suffering a seizure Aug. 3 at training camp, will play in the Eagles preseason game against the Browns. Patterson returned to practice Saturday.

Mike Patterson will play, head coach Andy Reid said. I cant tell you how much hes going to play but well see how things go. Hes had a good week of practice and hell be ready to go.

Patterson said the reason hell be able to move forward from the experience is simple: He really doesnt remember much from the morning he went down at Lehigh University.

It was easy for me just because I blacked out and I dont remember too much, Patterson said. Its easy for me to kind of put it in the back of my mind and not worry about it.

The only thing Patterson is worried about is getting back on the field. Hes played in more games (102 including playoffs) than any other current Eagle but acknowledged that Thursdays game will be slightly more significant.

I just think for the fact that its been a long time since I was able to play football, he said. I just think Ill be excited to be out there with the guys, the fans cheering and stuff like that. Emotionally, Ill just be real excited.

After seeing four physicians specializing in brain AVMs, Patterson rejoined his teammates at practice on Saturday with a giant smile. However, he realizes that the practices he missed have put him behind his teammates some.

I wouldnt necessarily say Im far behindjust as far as getting back to normal, he said. Im still behind some.

Patterson said he assumes hell start against the Browns but isnt sure. After Tuesdays practice, Reid said it will be Pattersons first game in the preseason, after all.

He was out 18 days or so, Reid said. He kept himself in good shape, but again, treat him like its the first preseason game hes played, like DeSean Jackson last week. Just limit his reps and see how hes doing.

I would like to say Im not too far off, but its football so everything takes time and practice, Patterson said. As long as Im patient and keep working on the things I need to work on.

Patterson, 27, knows the questions will come during the game, from trainers and coaches. He expects them to continually ask him how hes feeling. He said hell keep listening to the trainers too.

Im pretty easy going, he said. Im not going to be stubborn. Im going to listen to them.

Patterson expects to be ready for the season opener in St. Louis on Sept. 11. With Trevor Laws (hip) and Antonio Dixon (back) still not practicing, the Eagles have been going with Cullen Jenkins and Anthony Hargrove at tackle.

Patterson, the Eagles first-round pick out of USC in 2005, said that hell happily play in the final preseason game, Sept. 1 against the Jets, if the coaches want him to.

But for now, Patterson isnt worried about the Jets or the Rams. He wont even be thinking about his training-camp seizure. Hes just ready to play in a football game.

Thats the good thing about football, Patterson said. Its easy to just zone everything out and go play.
E-mail Dave Zangaro at dzangaro@comcastsportsnet.com

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