Eagles Quinyon Mitchell and Jeremiah Trotter make great NFL debuts against Ravens
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni discusses the quarterback’s play against the Ravens as the rookies shine in a 16-13 win.
PHILADELPHIA – Most of the decisions regarding the Eagles’ 53-man roster are coming together.
But several players are still on the verge of being eliminated as the NFL’s cutdown day on August 27, when all teams must reduce their rosters from 90 to 53, is fast approaching.
The Eagles’ decision to move one position can impact other positions as well. For example, if the Eagles decide to keep four running backs, they may only be able to keep three tight ends or four wide receivers.
This puts pressure on wide receivers like veterans Parris Campbell and John Ross, as well as fifth-round draft pick Ainias Smith, who struggled in training camp.
This is also the case in defense.
At the inside linebacker position, for example, the Eagles are definitely keeping Devin White, Zack Baun, Nakobe Dean and fifth-round pick Jeremiah Trotter. If they keep just one more, it could come down to veteran Oren Burks, who was signed as a free agent; Ben VanSumeren, an undrafted free agent in 2023 who had an interception in practice on Sunday; or Brandon Smith, who had a strong training camp overall.
If the Eagles keep two more linebackers, they can keep one less player at another position.
Burks knows what is at stake over the next seven days. He had to sit out nearly a month with a knee injury before returning to training on Saturday, albeit in a limited capacity. He was also only playing in limited capacity on Sunday.
“I feel like myself again,” Burks said. “It was unfortunate to start training camp with an injury, but I’m doing my best to rehab every day and get back on my feet. I want to be ready when the time comes.”
For Burks, that time is almost here. The Eagles still have one preseason game left, this Saturday against Minnesota. For many players who are still on the fence, that game will be their Super Bowl.
Here is a breakdown of the players battling for final roster spots in eight different positions:
Wide receiver
On the brink: Parris Campbell, John Ross, Ainias Smith
Despite his speed, Ross hasn’t been a factor in his comeback since his last NFL game of 2021. Campbell missed 10 days with a groin injury before returning last week, so he’s running out of time to make an impact. Smith had a rough training camp and could likely make the practice squad if he’s released.
Forecast: Campbell. The Eagles will use a combination of Campbell, rookie Johnny Wilson and possibly Britain Covey as the third wide receiver. However, Campbell could be released after August 27 if the Eagles claim a WR released by another team.
Linebackers
On the brink: Oren Burks, Ben VanSumeren, Brandon Smith
VanSumeren continues to make good progress in practice, such as his interception on Sunday. He is also a key special teams player. Smith had a strong training camp overall after spending most of last season on the practice squad. Burks will have to prove he is significantly better than the other two.
Forecast: VanSumeren and Smith
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Defensive attack
On the brink: Marlon Tuipulotu, Thomas Booker, PJ Mustipher or Gabe Hall
Moro Ojomo, the 2023 seventh-round pick, has played better than Tuipulotu, who is in the final year of his rookie contract. Mustipher had a decent training camp and Hall, an undrafted free agent, had his ups and downs. Booker was the best of the bunch and was also highlighted by defensive coordinator Vic Fangio for his play in the preseason game against the Patriots.
Forecast: Booker. He joins a strong group with Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams and Ojomo.
Tight end
On the brink: Albert Okwuegbunam, CJ Uzomah, EJ Jenkins
Jenkins, who spent last season on the practice squad, had a nice catch against the Patriots on Friday, when he tied for the team lead with 5 passes caught. Okwuegbunam is injured and Uzomah has dropped a few passes.
Forecast: Jenkins. He will be the third tight end behind Dallas Goedert and Grant Calcaterra.
Run back
On the brink: Tyrion Davis Price, Kendall Milton, Lew Nichols
Davis-Price has the experience as a former third-round pick of the 49ers. He and Nichols played well. But Milton was the best runner when he got the chance.
Forecast: Milton, but only if the Eagles keep a fourth running back behind Saquon Barkley, Kenny Gainwell and Will Shipley.
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Offensive line
On the brink: Brett Toth, Darian Kinnard, Matt Hennessy, Nick Gates
As we’ve seen, the Eagles’ depth behind starters Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens and Lane Johnson is a big question mark. And depth could become even more of a problem if either right guard Mekhi Becton or Tyler Steen are sidelined long-term with injuries. Becton left practice on Sunday with an unspecified leg injury and Steen re-injured his ankle against the Patriots. Fred Johnson has received Nick Sirianni’s seal of approval as a swing tackle, so he’s no longer in the mix.
Forecast: Toth and Kinnard. If either Becton or Steen are out for the long term, Gates could come into the team.
Security
On the brink: James Bradberry, Tristin McCollum, Andre Sam
Both Bradberry and Avonte Maddox are transitioning from cornerback to safety, but Maddox has the advantage of having played nickelback and also had an interception against the Patriots. McCollum, who was on the roster last season, played well and is younger than Bradberry.
Forecast: McCollum
Corner
On the brink: Eli Ricks, Josh Jobe, Zech McPhearson, Parry Nickerson
Darius Slay, Isaiah Rodgers, Kelee Ringo and rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean are all the Eagles need right now. But injuries happen, so one or more of Ricks, Jobe or Nickerson could start on the practice squad and play a role this season. It’s a tough business, but the Eagles need the space at other positions.
forecast: No.
Contact Martin Frank at [email protected]. Follow on X @Mfranknfl.
