1) The mental pressure and expectations on him are less when he's playing the game with the 3's. Gives him time to get his NFL game feet. I like this approach.
2) He's in the fire, running for his life but showing confidence and learning under the harshest of conditions. He'll come out battle tested and ready. In other words- excellent training .
3) When he's ready to play with the starters, he will have earned it.