AP

Again, Mark Sanchez is going to play later in a preseason game than he’s used to.

But his attitude about backing up for the Eagles is much better than it was prior to his garbage-time shoulder injury that ultimately ended his Jets career.

When the Eagles take on the Bears, Sanchez will be competing with Matt Barkley for the backup job rather than Geno Smith for a starting job that used to be his,

“I’m just excited about the chance to play again,” Sanchez said, via Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News. “I feel good. If I’m healthy, like I am, there’s really nothing to worry about. I approach it like any other season. Sure, anything can happen, but I’m expecting some good stuff.”

While last year’s “competition” with Smith seemed tilted at times, Sanchez says he likes the atmosphere coach Chip Kelly has created.

“You’re always competing — against yourself, against the defense, against the other quarterbacks. That’s just the atmosphere that’s been cultivated here, and we like that,” Sanchez said. “It keeps it fun, it keeps it fresh. It keeps it exciting.”

Seeing how Sanchez rebounds will be one of the interesting storylines of the game, after the starters are tucked safety away. He was always serviceable-at-worst, and won four playoff games on the road. While Foles is safely ahead of him on the depth chart, Sanchez ought to be able to reclaim some reputation if he has to play this year.