The Philadelphia Eagles have released their first depth chart ahead of this weeks’ preseason opener against Cincinnati. Here’s a quick breakdown with some notable names and storylines.
Quarterback
Tanner McKee is listed above Dorian Thompson-Robinson going into Thursday night’s game, which is certainly something worth noting, as provisional as this is. The Eagles are keen on giving McKee a chance to fight for the QB2 role, but there’s a lot that chan change in a race as tight as this.
Wide receiver
A.J Brown’s primary backup is Terrace Marshall, and with both wideouts missing practice, there’s a chance we see a shuffle on Thursday (not that Brown would play much, if at all, anyway). I’d expect Johnny Wilson to take WR1 reps outside, but it does give opportunities to Elijah Cooks, who has been a real standout thus far.
Running back
We haven’t heard much about the running back position this Summer, but it’s nice to see Will Shipley maintaining his RB2 spot as things stand. It would always make sense to afford opportunities to younger talents on the books long-term, and the Eagles seem keen to do that with the Clemson product.
Tight End
Not much music here. Dallas Goedert remains backed up by Grant Calcaterra, and the veteran additions will be scrambling for a backup role.
Offensive line
Tyler Steen is your starting RG as things stand, which is a great sign after a tough couple of years trying to get that nod. Matt Pryor and Brett Toth are listed above this years’ rookie crop, and the tackle position looks stable. Watching for any movements week-to-week will be interesting depending on preseason performances.
Defensive line
Moro Ojomo is entrenched as DT3 after an exceptional start to Training Camp, and Jalyx Hunt appears to be the starting EDGE opposite Nolan Smith, followed by the pairing of Azeez Ojulari and Josh Uche. Thomas Booker and Ty Robinson will be names to watch in the preseason to fill that final spot in the 4-man DT rotation.
Linebacker
Zack Baun and Jeremiah Trotter appear to be the starting pairing here, with Jihaad Campbell as Baun’s backup. This isn’t entirely representative of what we’ll see on gameday, as the LB position is incredibly fluid thanks to the versatility of a number of players. But with Dean still rehabbing and Campbell potentially limited in the opener depending on his fitness, this is a big opportunity for the likes of Trotter and Smael Mondon.
Cornerback
Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean‘s spot are obviously solidified here, but the Eagles have interestingly labelled both Adoree Jackson AND Kelee Ringo as CB2, signifying that this positional battle is far from over. Eli Ricks figures to be the next backup behind whoever doesn’t win the CB2 battle.
Safety
The same has happened at the Safety spot alongside Reed Blankenship. Both Sydney Brown and rookie Andrew Mukuba appear locked in to battle it out, ahead of a plethora of developmental talents. The odds would favor Mukuba, but the Eagles may favor experience in the early goings.
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
