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The Philadelphia Eagles will open their preseason schedule against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night at M&T Bank Stadium, but Nick Sirianni hasn't revealed how many starters will play.
Asked Monday morning whether Jalen Hurts and Philadelphia's starters would take the field, Sirianni said, “We’ll see.”
The Eagles have enough established stars to justify a cautious approach, especially after several players missed portions of training camp. Philadelphia also has newcomers learning new systems, young players competing for starting roles and veterans attempting to climb the depth chart.
Here is an early projection of the Eagles who could sit and those with legitimate reasons to play against Baltimore.
Hurts is learning another offense under new coordinator Sean Mannion, creating a reasonable argument for giving the starting quarterback one or two series.
The Eagles can accomplish much of that work during practice without exposing Hurts to unnecessary contact. Unless Sirianni believes the offense needs live work with its new terminology and operation, Philadelphia's franchise quarterback is among the most likely players to sit.
Barkley has nothing to prove during the preseason. The Eagles know he can carry the offense, create explosive plays and contribute as a receiver.
Philadelphia's focus should be keeping Barkley healthy while evaluating the running backs behind him. Tank Bigsby, Dameon Pierce, Carson Steele, Will Shipley and newly signed Ja'Quinden Jackson all have more to gain from Saturday's carries.
Smith has dealt with a hamstring injury during camp and should be handled cautiously. The Eagles don't need their No. 1 receiver playing in an exhibition game if he isn't completely healthy.
Lemon is in a different situation. The first-round pick needs repetitions, but his extended absence with a hamstring injury makes it unlikely Philadelphia would rush him back for the opener. If he hasn't returned to full participation in practice, he should sit.
Goedert set a franchise record for touchdown receptions by a tight end last season and remains one of Hurts' most trusted targets. He doesn't need preseason production to establish his role.
Sitting Goedert would create additional opportunities for Eli Stowers, Grant Calcaterra, Johnny Mundt, Cameron Latu, Stone Smartt and E.J. Jenkins. Philadelphia has several decisions to make behind Goedert, making those reserve snaps especially valuable.
Johnson recently returned after missing four practices for personal reasons and was limited while reacclimating to football activity. The 36-year-old has also indicated that 2026 will probably be his final season.
Philadelphia has no reason to place him at risk in Baltimore. Rookie Markel Bell, Cameron Williams, Fred Johnson, Myles Hinton, Hollin Pierce and John Ojukwu need the tackle reps more than Johnson does.
Mailata and Dickerson are established starters with little to gain from extended preseason work. Jurgens has left multiple practices early, giving the Eagles another reason to protect the interior of their offensive line.
Tyler Steen could also sit once he has established himself as Philadelphia's starting guard. If the Eagles play any starting linemen, their appearances should be brief.
Drew Kendall, Jake Majors, Willie Lampkin, Michael Jordan, Micah Morris and the other reserve interior linemen should handle most of the work.
The Eagles recently committed significant long-term money to Carter and Davis. Both are foundational pieces of Vic Fangio's defense, and neither needs an extended preseason audition.
Sitting them would give Moro Ojomo, Byron Young, Ty Robinson, Gabe Hall, Zion Wilson, Uar Bernard and newly signed David Blay more opportunities. Philadelphia has one of the deepest defensive tackle rooms in football, and the competition near the bottom of the group remains unsettled.
Baun is an established defensive leader and one of the most important players in Fangio's system. The Eagles have no reason to expose him to unnecessary preseason snaps.
His absence would allow Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Jihaad Campbell, Smael Mondon Jr., Chance Campbell and Deontae Lawson to receive additional work at linebacker.
Mitchell and DeJean are established young stars who have already demonstrated that they can perform against the NFL's best offenses. Neither needs significant preseason action.
The Eagles may give them a short appearance if Fangio wants the starting secondary to work together. Philadelphia would be justified in sitting both and using the game to evaluate the competition behind them.
Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton should handle the majority of Philadelphia's quarterback snaps. Their competition for the No. 2 role remains one of the team's most important position battles.
McKee has produced during previous preseason opportunities, but Dalton brings 15 years of experience. Saturday will give the Eagles a clearer picture of which quarterback can operate Mannion's offense most effectively.
Rookie Cole Payton could receive late-game snaps if Philadelphia wants to evaluate all four quarterbacks.
Brown is an experienced veteran, but he's also new to Philadelphia. A brief appearance could help him continue to build timing in Mannion's offense.
Wicks has been one of the most productive receivers at camp and appears to be moving toward a significant offensive role. He could play long enough to work with the top quarterbacks before leaving the game to the roster hopefuls.
Moore has taken advantage of first-team opportunities created by injuries. He should play because his roster spot isn't guaranteed. Britain Covey, Johnny Wilson, Darius Cooper, Quez Watkins, Samori Toure, Danny Gray, Erik Ezukanma and Brandon Hayes also need every available preseason target.
Bigsby could enter the season as Barkley's primary backup, but his expanded receiving role remains a work in progress. Saturday offers an opportunity to show that he can contribute beyond traditional rushing situations.
Pierce needs the game even more as he fights for a roster spot. His physical running style should translate well to live preseason action.
Ja'Quinden Jackson joined the Eagles on Monday after Mitchell was placed on injured reserve. Learning enough of the offense to play five days later will be challenging, but Philadelphia may give him a limited package and allow him to contribute on special teams.
Woolen has extensive starting experience, but he's new to Fangio's defense. A short preseason appearance could help him become more comfortable with Philadelphia's communication and coverage responsibilities.
Mukuba started as a rookie and enters his second season with a prominent role. He doesn't need an entire half, but a few series next to the rest of the starting secondary could be useful.
Epps is an experienced veteran, but his role remains less established than those of Philadelphia's defensive stars. He's competing within a safety group that could still change before the regular season.
The Eagles could allow Epps to play early before turning the position over to J.T. Gray, Andre' Sam, Cole Wisniewski and Maximus Pulley.
Campbell and Trotter could become important pieces of Philadelphia's defense, but both would benefit from live repetitions.
Campbell has received opportunities as a pass rusher and off-ball linebacker. The preseason will allow Fangio to evaluate that versatility against an offense Philadelphia hasn't faced in practice.
Trotter is competing for a larger role next to Baun. Saturday gives him an opportunity to show improvement in coverage, run defense and defensive communication.
Ebiketie and Epenesa are new to Philadelphia's edge rotation and should receive meaningful work if healthy. They need experience in Fangio's front and opportunities to establish their place in the rotation.
Smith is more established and could be protected. Jalyx Hunt led Philadelphia in sacks and interceptions last season, but his relative youth could result in a brief appearance before the Eagles turn the game over to Jose Ramirez, Joshua Weru, Keyshawn James-Newby and Tarron Jackson.
Tarron Jackson signed Monday and is beginning his second stint with Philadelphia. His familiarity with the organization helps, but he must quickly learn his responsibilities within Fangio's defense.
Ringo enters another pivotal preseason. He has the size and athleticism to become a dependable outside cornerback, but Philadelphia's improved depth has made his standing on the roster less comfortable.
Bennett missed time last season and needs live snaps to reestablish his place in the rotation. Carter has worked at multiple positions and could become Philadelphia's primary dime defensive back. All three have reasons to play.
Jonathan Jones, Mac McWilliams, Shaun Wade, Ambry Thomas, Tariq Castro-Fields and Kapena Gushiken should also receive significant opportunities as the Eagles evaluate their cornerback depth.
Elliott and Mann should play because the Eagles don't have established alternatives at kicker and punter. Their workloads will depend on how frequently Philadelphia's offense reaches scoring range and how many drives stall.
Rookie long snapper Rocco Underwood could also receive an opportunity as Philadelphia evaluates its specialist operation.
Sirianni's final decision will be influenced by injuries, practice performance and conversations with his veteran players. The safest projection is that Philadelphia protects Hurts and most of its established stars while allowing newcomers and unsettled starters to play limited snaps.
Saturday isn't about proving that the Eagles' stars are ready. It's about determining which players behind them can be trusted when the regular season arrives.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles starters and veterans who could sit against the Ravens
Continue reading...
Asked Monday morning whether Jalen Hurts and Philadelphia's starters would take the field, Sirianni said, “We’ll see.”
The Eagles have enough established stars to justify a cautious approach, especially after several players missed portions of training camp. Philadelphia also has newcomers learning new systems, young players competing for starting roles and veterans attempting to climb the depth chart.
Here is an early projection of the Eagles who could sit and those with legitimate reasons to play against Baltimore.
Jalen Hurts
Hurts is learning another offense under new coordinator Sean Mannion, creating a reasonable argument for giving the starting quarterback one or two series.
The Eagles can accomplish much of that work during practice without exposing Hurts to unnecessary contact. Unless Sirianni believes the offense needs live work with its new terminology and operation, Philadelphia's franchise quarterback is among the most likely players to sit.
Saquon Barkley
Barkley has nothing to prove during the preseason. The Eagles know he can carry the offense, create explosive plays and contribute as a receiver.
Philadelphia's focus should be keeping Barkley healthy while evaluating the running backs behind him. Tank Bigsby, Dameon Pierce, Carson Steele, Will Shipley and newly signed Ja'Quinden Jackson all have more to gain from Saturday's carries.
DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon
Smith has dealt with a hamstring injury during camp and should be handled cautiously. The Eagles don't need their No. 1 receiver playing in an exhibition game if he isn't completely healthy.
Lemon is in a different situation. The first-round pick needs repetitions, but his extended absence with a hamstring injury makes it unlikely Philadelphia would rush him back for the opener. If he hasn't returned to full participation in practice, he should sit.
Dallas Goedert
Goedert set a franchise record for touchdown receptions by a tight end last season and remains one of Hurts' most trusted targets. He doesn't need preseason production to establish his role.
Sitting Goedert would create additional opportunities for Eli Stowers, Grant Calcaterra, Johnny Mundt, Cameron Latu, Stone Smartt and E.J. Jenkins. Philadelphia has several decisions to make behind Goedert, making those reserve snaps especially valuable.
Lane Johnson
Johnson recently returned after missing four practices for personal reasons and was limited while reacclimating to football activity. The 36-year-old has also indicated that 2026 will probably be his final season.
Philadelphia has no reason to place him at risk in Baltimore. Rookie Markel Bell, Cameron Williams, Fred Johnson, Myles Hinton, Hollin Pierce and John Ojukwu need the tackle reps more than Johnson does.
Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens
Mailata and Dickerson are established starters with little to gain from extended preseason work. Jurgens has left multiple practices early, giving the Eagles another reason to protect the interior of their offensive line.
Tyler Steen could also sit once he has established himself as Philadelphia's starting guard. If the Eagles play any starting linemen, their appearances should be brief.
Drew Kendall, Jake Majors, Willie Lampkin, Michael Jordan, Micah Morris and the other reserve interior linemen should handle most of the work.
Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis
The Eagles recently committed significant long-term money to Carter and Davis. Both are foundational pieces of Vic Fangio's defense, and neither needs an extended preseason audition.
Sitting them would give Moro Ojomo, Byron Young, Ty Robinson, Gabe Hall, Zion Wilson, Uar Bernard and newly signed David Blay more opportunities. Philadelphia has one of the deepest defensive tackle rooms in football, and the competition near the bottom of the group remains unsettled.
Zack Baun
Baun is an established defensive leader and one of the most important players in Fangio's system. The Eagles have no reason to expose him to unnecessary preseason snaps.
His absence would allow Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Jihaad Campbell, Smael Mondon Jr., Chance Campbell and Deontae Lawson to receive additional work at linebacker.
Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean
Mitchell and DeJean are established young stars who have already demonstrated that they can perform against the NFL's best offenses. Neither needs significant preseason action.
The Eagles may give them a short appearance if Fangio wants the starting secondary to work together. Philadelphia would be justified in sitting both and using the game to evaluate the competition behind them.
Jalen Hurts’ backups should receive the spotlight
Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton should handle the majority of Philadelphia's quarterback snaps. Their competition for the No. 2 role remains one of the team's most important position battles.
McKee has produced during previous preseason opportunities, but Dalton brings 15 years of experience. Saturday will give the Eagles a clearer picture of which quarterback can operate Mannion's offense most effectively.
Rookie Cole Payton could receive late-game snaps if Philadelphia wants to evaluate all four quarterbacks.
Hollywood Brown, Dontayvion Wicks and Elijah Moore
Brown is an experienced veteran, but he's also new to Philadelphia. A brief appearance could help him continue to build timing in Mannion's offense.
Wicks has been one of the most productive receivers at camp and appears to be moving toward a significant offensive role. He could play long enough to work with the top quarterbacks before leaving the game to the roster hopefuls.
Moore has taken advantage of first-team opportunities created by injuries. He should play because his roster spot isn't guaranteed. Britain Covey, Johnny Wilson, Darius Cooper, Quez Watkins, Samori Toure, Danny Gray, Erik Ezukanma and Brandon Hayes also need every available preseason target.
Tank Bigsby, Dameon Pierce and Ja’Quinden Jackson
Bigsby could enter the season as Barkley's primary backup, but his expanded receiving role remains a work in progress. Saturday offers an opportunity to show that he can contribute beyond traditional rushing situations.
Pierce needs the game even more as he fights for a roster spot. His physical running style should translate well to live preseason action.
Ja'Quinden Jackson joined the Eagles on Monday after Mitchell was placed on injured reserve. Learning enough of the offense to play five days later will be challenging, but Philadelphia may give him a limited package and allow him to contribute on special teams.
Riq Woolen and Andrew Mukuba
Woolen has extensive starting experience, but he's new to Fangio's defense. A short preseason appearance could help him become more comfortable with Philadelphia's communication and coverage responsibilities.
Mukuba started as a rookie and enters his second season with a prominent role. He doesn't need an entire half, but a few series next to the rest of the starting secondary could be useful.
Marcus Epps
Epps is an experienced veteran, but his role remains less established than those of Philadelphia's defensive stars. He's competing within a safety group that could still change before the regular season.
The Eagles could allow Epps to play early before turning the position over to J.T. Gray, Andre' Sam, Cole Wisniewski and Maximus Pulley.
Jihaad Campbell and Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Campbell and Trotter could become important pieces of Philadelphia's defense, but both would benefit from live repetitions.
Campbell has received opportunities as a pass rusher and off-ball linebacker. The preseason will allow Fangio to evaluate that versatility against an offense Philadelphia hasn't faced in practice.
Trotter is competing for a larger role next to Baun. Saturday gives him an opportunity to show improvement in coverage, run defense and defensive communication.
Arnold Ebiketie, A.J. Epenesa and Nolan Smith
Ebiketie and Epenesa are new to Philadelphia's edge rotation and should receive meaningful work if healthy. They need experience in Fangio's front and opportunities to establish their place in the rotation.
Smith is more established and could be protected. Jalyx Hunt led Philadelphia in sacks and interceptions last season, but his relative youth could result in a brief appearance before the Eagles turn the game over to Jose Ramirez, Joshua Weru, Keyshawn James-Newby and Tarron Jackson.
Tarron Jackson signed Monday and is beginning his second stint with Philadelphia. His familiarity with the organization helps, but he must quickly learn his responsibilities within Fangio's defense.
Kelee Ringo, Jakorian Bennett and Michael Carter II
Ringo enters another pivotal preseason. He has the size and athleticism to become a dependable outside cornerback, but Philadelphia's improved depth has made his standing on the roster less comfortable.
Bennett missed time last season and needs live snaps to reestablish his place in the rotation. Carter has worked at multiple positions and could become Philadelphia's primary dime defensive back. All three have reasons to play.
Jonathan Jones, Mac McWilliams, Shaun Wade, Ambry Thomas, Tariq Castro-Fields and Kapena Gushiken should also receive significant opportunities as the Eagles evaluate their cornerback depth.
Jake Elliott, Braden Mann and the specialists
Elliott and Mann should play because the Eagles don't have established alternatives at kicker and punter. Their workloads will depend on how frequently Philadelphia's offense reaches scoring range and how many drives stall.
Rookie long snapper Rocco Underwood could also receive an opportunity as Philadelphia evaluates its specialist operation.
Sirianni's final decision will be influenced by injuries, practice performance and conversations with his veteran players. The safest projection is that Philadelphia protects Hurts and most of its established stars while allowing newcomers and unsettled starters to play limited snaps.
Saturday isn't about proving that the Eagles' stars are ready. It's about determining which players behind them can be trusted when the regular season arrives.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles starters and veterans who could sit against the Ravens
Continue reading...
