Wide receiver Devin Thomas is expected to see extensive playing time tonight as he fights to remain on the team. (Photo: Associated Press)

The stars -- and most of the starters -- won’t play. Kick-off isn’t until 10 p.m. But if you’re a die-hard Redskins fan, you will stay up and watch this game to help get an idea of who and who won’t make the cut by Saturday’s 4 p.m. deadline.

When the Washington Redskins wrap up the preseason tonight against the hosting Arizona Cardinals, it’s the bubble players’ final chance to make their case for making the 53-man roster. And if they don't make the official roster, there's still a chance to make the eight-man practice squad. In years past, players have entered the final preseason game on shaky footing, put on a strong performance and wind up earning a job. It could definitely happen tonight.

Other players have spots on the team, but will play to get better acclimated to the system.

Here are the players to watch tonight.

Devin Thomas -- After mixed reviews in the preseason opener, more ups and downs in the second preseason game and being used only as a special teams player last week, Thomas is expected to see extensive action this week. Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said he expected Thomas to play most -- if not all -- of the game. Thomas is far from safe from getting cut, but Malcolm Kelly’s injury helps him some, because after Santana Moss and Joey Galloway, the pickings are rather slim at receiver for Washington. Thomas could make this roster by default, but he should come out, have a great game -- running crisp routes, actually holding onto the ball when it’s thrown his way, and not taking plays off when his number isn’t called -- to cement his spot on the team.

Albert Haynesworth -- The big fella is expected to play extensively once again, but it sounds as if he is OK with it, and that his aim is to put in as much work as is required to become “dominant” at that right end spot. Haynesworth isn’t believed to be in danger of being cut, but he isn’t assured a starting position yet. Doing everything asked of him and going full speed on all plays to prove his conditioning is strong will go a long way to helping his case.

Willie Parker/Ryan Torain/Keiland Williams -- The last audition for the final running back spot will take place tonight. Torain said on Wednesday that he was told he will start, and Kyle Shanahan said that Parker will get another chance after his sub-par showing last week. Williams appears to have the best chance of any of them to make the team, averaging 4.0 yards a carry, 13.6 yards a catch and a team-best 23.7 yards on kick returns. Torain has looked better than Parker, but it seems that both need to make a statement tonight to make the 53-man cut.

Brandon Banks/Terrence Austin -- The rookies have been competing all preseason, alternating on punt and kick returns. Banks had the spectacular 77-yard punt return for a touchdown in the preseason opener, but also has had two fumbles. Austin has been steady, averaging 20 yards a kick return and eight yards a punt return. He also has done better as a receiver with five catches for 52 yards. Banks wants in the worst way to redeem himself from last week’s fumble. Does he have another big play in him?

Selvish Capers -- Naturally a tackle, Capers will get the start tonight at left guard as coaches want to see if he has enough versatility to help this team in more than one area, which would increase his chances of making the team. He could be competing with third-year lineman Chad Rinehart (who has been a disappointment to this point in his career) for a roster spot.

Jeremy Jarmon -- It’s been a trying offseason for Jarmon. As if rehabbing from ACL surgery wasn’t challenge enough, he had to adjust to a new system. First he thought he was going to play linebacker and lost 10 pounds, then coaches decided they wanted him to play DE in the 3-4, and so he had to gain 30 pounds. He’s still learning the position, and at one point last week even lined up at DT, but says he’s gaining comfort each week. Jarmon still isn’t completely healthy, though. Coaches like Jarmon and his work ethic, but the second-year player appears to be behind Kedric Golston, Haynesworth and Vonnie Holliday at DE. He had a sack last week against the Jets, and needs to make another big play or two this week

Byron Westbrook/Justin Tryon/Ramzee Robinson -- The young cornerbacks are all battling for the final spot in the secondary. Westbrook had appeared to have the edge (his contributions on special teams also seemed to help). But with a report surfacing yesterday that he had been cut even though he was indeed still on the team, you have to wonder if he is now in danger and that the report was simply premature. Tryon hasn’t really stood out. Robinson has been solid, but not spectacular. Who gets the nod?