On Thursday night, the Philadelphia Eagles return to the nest at Lincoln Financial Field for a football game for the first time since the 2025 NFC Championship, a 55-23 dismantling of the Washington Commanders. The matchup against Cincinnati is the first of three tune-up clashes before the NFL regular season gets underway when the Eagles host the Dallas Cowboys on September 4, 2025.
According to Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, Joe Burrow and the rest of his starters are expected to play “several series” in the preseason opener. This should provide a good test for a new-look Eagles defense looking to move on after a large amount of turnover this offseason. Here are five Birds players to keep an eye on during the Eagles’ first game action in six months.
Sydney Brown, Safety
Brown enters his third NFL training camp with 25 NFL contests and 38 tackles under his cleats, in addition to four NFL playoff games in 2024. He has the first chance to impress for his starting position in the safety group alongside Reed Blankenship. Brown is competing against second-rounder Drew Makuba for the starting safety role in Vic Fangio’s defense.
Mukuba, a second-round selection by the Eagles in the 2025 NFL Draft, was sidelined for the start of camp but returned to team activities on August 5. Given his recent return to practice, Mukuba is more likely see action in the Eagles’ second preseason game on August 16 against the Cleveland Browns.
Jihaad Campbell, Linebacker
Campbell slipped down the draft board to Philadelphia at #31 due to injury concerns. After missing rookie activities, the Eagles’ first-rounder looks healthy and has opened eyes during training camp workouts at the NovaCare Complex.
Campbell’s combination of size, speed, athleticism, and toughness has given Nick Sirianni and his coaching staff every reason to consider looking at him in live game action. As of press time on Wednesday afternoon, it is still unknown if Campbell will play in the first preseason contest against Cincinnati.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Linebacker
Look for Trotter Jr. in the lineup, particularly if the Eagles hold Campbell out of action. Trotter Jr. recorded 25 tackles, including nine solo takedowns, in 17 regular-season games in 2024. In the postseason, the linebacker registered five tackles, including four solo stops, in the four-game winning streak that ended in a win at Super Bowl LIX.
With starters expected to see first-quarter action, Thursday’s preseason opener could be a good gauge for where Trotter Jr. stacks up against worthy competition entering his sophomore campaign.
Johnny Wilson, Wide Receiver
With names like A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson having locked up the top of the wide receiver depth chart, players such as Wilson, Elijah Cooks, Ainias Smith, and Terrace Marshall will be battling for the final three spots available on the Eagles roster at the WR position.
Wilson enters his second pro season following five catches for 38 yards and a touchdown during the 2024 regular season. The 6-foot-6 wideout spent the offseason trying to get experience as a slot receiver and a blocking wideout, two areas the Eagles used his size to exploit mismatches against NFL defenses last season.
Kyle McCord, Quarterback
The 22-year-old QB from Mount Laurel, New Jersey, should see second-half action against the Bengals. He is competing against Dorian Thompson-Robinson for the QB3 position in the depth chart. Tanner McKee has pole position on the backup quarterback situation behind Super Bowl LIX MVP Jalen Hurts.
McCord set the Atlantic Coast Conference’s (ACC) all-time passing record with 4,779 yards for Syracuse last season, and he finished 10th in voting for the Heisman Trophy. While a role on an NFL practice squad would be ideal for the young signal caller, McCord should get a chance to impress early in the preseason.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
