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Eagles vs. Jaguars: 4 role players who could be Week 5 standouts
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- Eagles vs. Jaguars: 4 role players who could be Week 5 standouts
The injury report can create opportunity. Sometimes those opportunities arrive for stars. Other times, they arrive for players most fans aren't discussing. The Philadelphia Eagles head to London seeking answers after consecutive losses, but they also face several roster questions.
Injuries at running back and wide receiver have opened the door for new contributors. Meanwhile, a few lesser-discussed veterans and rotational defenders are quietly positioning themselves for larger roles.
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If Philadelphia is to win, every key performance won't come from a household name. Sometimes the difference between winning and losing comes down to one or two contributions from players further down the depth chart. Here are four under-the-radar Eagles who could make an impact against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5. Maybe it's a clutch catch or a timely sack. Anything is possible in an Eagles season that has already delivered so many surprises.
Elijah Moore, wide receiver
The Eagles' receiving corps has taken its share of hits recently. With DeVonta Smith battling a hamstring injury and other pass catchers working through various issues, Elijah Moore could play a larger role than many anticipated.
Smith was seen stretching at practice on Wednesday, but he wasn't in uniform. At the time of this story's release, his status is still unknown, but obviously getting him back will be huge whenever it happens.
Moore played ten snaps in Week 4 , and if the team relies on him again, he brings speed, versatility, and the ability to create separation underneath. Philadelphia doesn't need him to carry the offense. Still, a handful of timely catches could provide much-needed support for Jalen Hurts and take pressure off Dontayvion Wicks, Darius Cooper, and the rest of the receiving corps.
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Dameon Pierce, running back
A week ago, few expected Dameon Pierce to become part of the Week 5 conversation. Injuries changed that theory quickly. With Saquon Barkley unlikely to be at full strength and Tank Bigsby on injured reserve , the team signed Pierce from the practice squad to the 53-man roster .
He appears positioned to share the workload alongside Will Shipley. Philadelphia doesn't need 20 carries from him. It just needs someone who can provide quality snaps and keep Shipley fresh against one of the NFL's better run defenses.
Johnny Mundt, tight end
Johnny Mundt logged significant playing time in Week 4 and continues to earn opportunities because Philadelphia's coaching staff likes what he brings in blocking and a willingness to do the dirty work.
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His stat line may not jump off the page. Still, this feels like the kind of game where one well-timed third-down catch or one key block in space could quietly influence the outcome.
Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE
Sometimes momentum begins with a single splash play. Arnold Ebiketie played 21 snaps last week and continues working to carve out a larger role within Philadelphia's defensive rotation. The Eagles have struggled to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks this season, making every disruptive play valuable.
Whether it's a sack, a quarterback hit, or pressure that forces Trevor Lawrence off his spot, Ebiketie can raise his profile significantly if he capitalizes on his snaps Sunday.
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London games often produce unexpected heroes. Philadelphia would gladly welcome one this week.
Whether it's Moore helping stabilize a battered receiver room, Pierce providing relief in the backfield, Mundt making one of his trademark winning plays, or Ebiketie delivering a defensive spark, the Eagles may need contributions from all corners of the roster. If one or two of these lesser-discussed players can seize their opportunity, they could play an important role in helping Philadelphia leave Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a much-needed victory.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles vs. Jaguars: 4 role players who could be Week 5 standouts
