Saturday afternoon brings us the Philadelphia Eagles’ third and remaining preseason recreation, a house matchup in opposition to the Minnesota Vikings.
In typical preseason finale vogue, the Eagles doubtless received’t be taking part in many key gamers. Relatively, that is the final probability for roster bubble contenders to make one final good impression. Tuesday’s 4:00 PM roster cuts deadline looms massive.
And so listed below are probably the most particularly fascinating Eagles to observe. In your viewing comfort, I’ve listed jersey numbers subsequent to the participant names.
#3 – Nolan Smith
Smith has been taking part in comparatively late into the Eagles’ first two preseason video games. Will he play lots on Saturday? If that’s the case, exposing him to harm doesn’t appear to bode nicely for the way he’s considered.
#7 – Kenny Pickett
Pickett has struggled in preseason video games and coaching camp practices. Possibly he can lastly get going, assuming he even performs? It could be a shorter stint for him on this recreation.
#16 – Tanner McKee
The Eagles have insisted that Pickett is QB2 and McKee is doing good as a developmental QB3. If McKee continues to shine, Pickett’s leash on the highest backup quarterback job might shrink.
#23 – Eli Ricks
It seems like Ricks is on the roster bubble. He hasn’t had a terrific summer season however he did have certainly one of his finest practices on the ultimate day of camp. A robust displaying might solidify his probabilities of making the group.
#24 – James Bradberry
How a lot does Bradberry play, if in any respect? It looks like he’d profit from some extra security snaps since he clearly isn’t totally adjusted to the brand new place. Is that this the final recreation he ever performs for the Eagles?
#30 – Quinyon Mitchell
It’s potential that Mitchell doesn’t even play a lot. That’d be signal for the rookie’s outlook.
#33 – Cooper DeJean
DeJean can be making his Eagles preseason debut after lacking the primary two video games. It’ll be fascinating to see the place he traces up. The considering right here is that he’ll see snaps at each exterior cornerback and within the slot. DeJean might make his case for taking part in time with a robust displaying right here. It’ll even be fascinating to see if DeJean components in as a returner.
#36 – Tristin McCollum
McCollum has made a behavior of flying round in each practices and the preseason video games. He’s arguably earned a roster spot, particularly with the Eagles in want of security depth. However the group would possibly really feel like they’ll hold him on the observe squad as a substitute of utilizing a roster spot. If McCollum shines vivid in opposition to the Vikings, the Eagles won’t need to threat shedding him on waivers.
#42 – Oren Burks
Burks can be making his Eagles preseason debut after lacking most of coaching camp. There’s no have to hold him on the Week 1 roster and assure his wage as a vested veteran. However he would possibly make his case to return on the observe squad.
#47 – Brandon Smith
Smith may also be making his Eagles preseason debut. He’s accomplished some good issues in observe however the group most likely doesn’t have house for him at linebacker. Smith can be making his case for a spot on the observe squad, if he’s not claimed by one other group.
#54 – Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
JTJ seemed good in opposition to the Ravens however seemed extra like a rookie in opposition to the Patriots. Let’s see if he can bounce again.
#59 – Thomas Booker IV
It looks like the Eagles would possibly hold Booker IV as a sixth defensive deal with. One other sturdy displaying works in direction of solidifying his spot.
#67 – Laekin Vakalahi
The Eagles didn’t belief Vakalahi, who could be very uncooked after by no means beforehand taking part in soccer, to play within the first two preseason video games. Possibly they’ll lastly look to get him some motion on this state of affairs? If not, he received’t get an opportunity till subsequent preseason.
#82 – Ainias Smith
Smith’s struggles have slowed; he’s seemed extra competent in observe lately. He’s most likely accomplished sufficient to forestall the Eagles from giving up on him already. Merely avoiding catastrophe would work in his favor on Saturday afternoon.
Facet observe: not together with Johnny Wilson and John Ross right here since they may not have the ability to play. They didn’t observe this week whereas recovering within the concussion protocol.
Additionally, I’m guessing Jahan Datson (at the moment #87) received’t be taking part in? He solely arrived in Philly earlier right now and received’t have practiced with the group earlier than suiting up in a recreation.
#84 – E.J. Jenkins
Jenkins has simply been the Eagles’ most intriguing TE3 possibility behind Dallas Goedert and Grant Calcaterra. Is he undoubtedly a roster lock, although? The Eagles would possibly have the ability to get him by waivers. Much less doubtless if Jenkins actually balls out on this recreation.
