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Updated Eagles 53-man roster projection after loss to the Patriots
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- Updated Eagles 53-man roster projection after loss to the Patriots
Updated Eagles 53-man roster projection after loss to the Patriots
The Philadelphia Eagles received significantly more production from their reserves Saturday night, even if the result was another preseason loss. Philadelphia generated 301 yards and three touchdowns before New England scored in the final minute to secure a 24-21 victory.
Tanner McKee delivered the strongest quarterback performance of the preseason, Carson Steele provided a spark as a runner and receiver, and Shaun Wade forced his second fumble in two games. Ty Robinson and Chance Campbell also strengthened their positions on a crowded defensive depth chart, while Jeremiah Trotter Jr. has some wondering if he should be the starter over Jihaad Campbell.
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This projection keeps 26 offensive players, 24 defenders and three specialists. It also assumes Jonathan Greenard begins the regular season on reserve/PUP, which would require him to miss at least four games without counting against the 53-man limit.
Quarterback (4)
Jalen Hurts, Andy Dalton, Tanner McKee, Cole Payton
Keeping four quarterbacks is unusual, but Philadelphia does not have an obvious cut. McKee completed 16 of 22 passes for 173 yards, two touchdowns and a 125.8 passer rating against New England, making it difficult to move on from him unless another team presents an attractive trade offer. Dalton offers extensive starting experience, while Payton is a fifth-round pick with developmental upside. A trade involving Dalton or McKee remains possible before the deadline.
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Running back (4)
Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, Will Shipley, Carson Steele
Shipley strengthened his standing by rushing for 56 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. Steele forced his way into the projection after recording 33 rushing yards and catching six passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. His size, blocking ability, receiving production and special-teams experience provide enough value to justify a fourth running back. Dameon Pierce remains a difficult omission, while Ja'Quinden Jackson's health is the immediate priority following his frightening injury.
Wide receiver (6)
DeVonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks, Makai Lemon, Hollywood Brown, Darius Cooper, Britain Covey
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Smith, Wicks and Lemon should hold prominent offensive roles, while Brown's experience and guaranteed money protect his position. Cooper caught all three of Dalton's completions against New England, producing 44 yards and continuing a productive summer. Covey's punt-return ability and 14-yard touchdown against the Patriots give him the final spot. Elijah Moore is the most difficult cut, but his limited special-teams role could allow Philadelphia to bring him back on the practice squad.
Tight end (3)
Dallas Goedert, Johnny Mundt, Eli Stowers
Goedert remains the clear starter, while Mundt has consistently worked as the second tight end because of his blocking and familiarity with the offense. Stowers is a developmental investment with receiving upside. Grant Calcaterra, Cameron Latu and Stone Smartt remain in contention, with Smartt catching five passes for 37 yards against New England.
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Offensive line (9)
Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen, Lane Johnson, Markel Bell, Fred Johnson, Drew Kendall, Willie Lampkin
Philadelphia keeps its established starting five, including Steen at right guard. Bell has continued making progress as the developmental tackle behind Lane Johnson, while Fred Johnson provides experienced depth on both sides. Kendall and Lampkin can play guard or center, giving the Eagles four reserve linemen with positional flexibility. Myles Hinton, Cameron Williams, Jake Majors and Micah Morris remain candidates for the practice squad.
Edge rusher (5)
Nolan Smith Jr., Jalyx Hunt, Arnold Ebiketie, A.J. Epenesa, Joshua Weru
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This group is temporarily light because Greenard is projected to remain on the reserve/PUP list. Smith, Hunt, Ebiketie and Epenesa give Philadelphia four experienced options until Greenard returns. Joshua Weru, who recorded a sack against New England, should make the roster because risking him on the waiver wire could prove costly, as the young but inexperienced athletic pass rusher has traits that can't be taught.
Defensive tackle (5)
Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Byron Young, Ty Robinson
Robinson has become one of the clearest preseason risers. He recorded two sacks and three tackles for loss against New England after producing a sack in the opener. Carter, Davis and Ojomo form the foundation of the interior, while Young provides another experienced rotational option. Uar Bernard remains an intriguing developmental player who could be retained through the international-player exemption.
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Linebacker (5)
Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Smael Mondon Jr., Chance Campbell
Trotter recorded his second sack in as many games and continues showing that he can handle defensive responsibilities if needed. Chance Campbell added six tackles, a pass breakup and a special-teams stop against the Patriots. Mondon supplies additional athleticism and special-teams value behind Baun and Jihaad Campbell.
Cornerback (5)
Quinyon Mitchell, Riq Woolen, Kelee Ringo, Mac McWilliams, Shaun Wade
Mitchell and Woolen are the starting outside cornerbacks, while Ringo remains valuable on special teams. McWilliams provides young, versatile depth. Wade recorded 10 tackles and forced a fumble against New England, giving him two forced fumbles through two preseason games. Jonathan Jones is a difficult omission, but his veteran status could allow Philadelphia to bring him back after initial roster moves.
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Safety/defensive back (4)
Cooper DeJean, Andrew Mukuba, Marcus Epps, Michael Carter II
DeJean's ability to play nickel cornerback or safety gives Vic Fangio significant flexibility. Mukuba and Epps are positioned for important defensive roles, while Carter can contribute from the slot or at safety. Gray could still earn the final spot because of his experience and established special-teams value. Maximus Pulley and Cole Wisniewski remain practice-squad candidates.
Specialists (3)
Jake Elliott, Braden Mann, Rocco Underwood
Elliott and Mann remain secure. Mann averaged 46 yards on four punts against New England and placed one inside the 20-yard line. Underwood currently holds the long-snapping job, although Philadelphia could evaluate available specialists after roster cuts.
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Reserve/PUP
Jonathan Greenard
Leaving Greenard on reserve/PUP creates a temporary roster position but requires the veteran edge rusher to miss at least the first four games. Once he is cleared to return, Philadelphia would have to make another roster move, potentially reducing the quarterback or running back group.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Updated Eagles 53-man roster projection after loss to the Patriots
