The Eagles’ first preseason game is just two days away and excitement is at an all-time high. However, injuries to Kamu Grugier-Hill, Cre’Von LeBlanc and Joe Ostman have thrown some curveballs at the Super Bowl 52 Champions. Here’s a quick look at the projected roster ahead of Thursday.
Quarterback: 3 (3)
Carson Wentz, Nate Sudfeld, Cody Kessler
There shouldn’t be any surprises here, the Eagles will keep the three best quarterbacks on the roster, as they should.
Clayton Thorson may be improving, but the Eagles are ultimately in a ‘win-now’ mode and are committed to the cyclical drafting of a quarterback it may seem. There’s a strong chance Thorson is stashed on the practice squad if he’s not claimed by another team, but it’s not the end of the world if he is poached given the new focus on adding a developmental arm every year or two.
Running back: 4 (7)
Jordan Howard, Miles Sanders, Darren Sproles, Corey Clement
Boston Scott was my wildcard to make the roster before camp, but the re-signing of Darren Sproles and a recent injury have seen him slip down the depth chart. The first three spots are all but finalized, but I think Corey Clement’s resurgence and a late surge from Josh Adams, who can be Jordan Howard’s direct backup as a physical downhill runner, should be enough to push the pair of former UDFA’s onto the roster.
Offensive line: 9 (16)
Jason Peters, Lane Johnson, Brandon Brooks, Isaac Seumalo, Jason Kelce, Andre Dillard, Jordan Mailata, Matt Pryor, Halapoulivaati Vaitai
I still stand by the surprise cut here being Stefen Wisniewski, who on top of seeing a decline in status on the depth chart since that glorious Super Bowl win, has now transitioned to center after Big V stole the backup RG spot and has struggled snapping the ball.
Matt Pryor can play every spot along the offensive line, Jordan Mailata is going nowhere, and the team will want to get younger eventually. If there’s a weak veteran link, it’s Wisniewski…and if it means adding talent at other areas, don’t write it off.
Tight end: 3 (19)
Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert, Richard Rodgers
There is a wildcard in the way of Josh Perkins who could sneak onto the roster, but at this point, I think the Eagles are more committed to 12-personnel than 13, giving them some flexibility with Rodgers in what would be a Celek-like role. Unless they can move some pieces around to facilitate a tight end who hasn’t really shown any major strides in development, 3 should be the magic number,
Wide receiver: 6 (25)
Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson, Nelson Agholor, JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Greg Ward Jr, Marken Michel
The wide receiver position is in a state of flux. Shelton Gibson and Mack Hollins are dealing with injuries and behind the starting trio that are set to blow up the league in 2019 and rookie JJ Arcega-Whiteside, the depth chart is completely malleable. As of right now, AAF star and former Houston QB Greg Ward Jr. has made the most of his third offseason with the team and CFL standout Marken Michel brings a very versatile skillset to the roster that may be enough to clinch a place.
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