A week can change a lot for a rookie class, and the Eagles’ group of first-year players has already started to sort itself out. Some guys are climbing.
A few are sliding. Others are just trying to stay on the field long enough to matter.
The clearest concern right now is Lemon, who hasn’t practiced since August 3. He has missed seven straight practices that were open to the media, along with a few walkthroughs, and he’ll also sit out the preseason opener. There is still a path for him to get back in time for the joint practices against the Patriots next week.
Stowers, by contrast, has begun to steady himself after a rough opening to camp. He’s been catching passes in recent practices and looks more comfortable in the offense, even if he still has plenty to prove. He will get preseason snaps in the opener, and the big thing for him is simple: show the athleticism, create separation, and find ways to get open against real defense.
Bell has also been trending up. He’s earned first-team reps at right tackle and keeps showing progress as camp ramps up.
He may not be ready to start there yet, but the talent is obvious. For now, he’s ahead of Fred Johnson in the fight for the No. 3 tackle job.
The bigger picture, though, is 2027, when Bell is expected to take over at right tackle after Lane Johnson’s career ends, which is his plan.
Payton’s camp has been a mixed bag at best. He’s played with no shortage of confidence, but that aggression has also led to a lot of interceptions in practice.
The Eagles still have work to do with him, and he’ll need to rein it in if he wants a real shot at the roster. If he develops, he can be the No. 3 quarterback.
If not, the practice squad is the likely landing spot.
Morris took a hit when a shoulder injury last week opened the door for Willie Lampkin, who has become one of camp’s feel-good stories. Lampkin now has a strong chance to make the roster, maybe even over Morris. The preseason gives Morris a chance to answer back, and a strong showing in the opener could push him back up the depth chart.
Wisniewski hasn’t practiced at all because of a hamstring injury, so there’s no real way to gauge where he stands. The No. 4 safety job is still open, but it’s hard to see how he can win it if he can’t get on the field.
Bernard is still in the early stages of learning the game, and it shows. He’s beginning to get lower on the line, which matters, and every positive rep helps build confidence. The expectation for this preseason isn’t huge; just getting meaningful snaps is part of the process.
James-Newby’s situation is frustrating because he had started camp so well, even picking off a pass early on. Then the ankle injury hit, and he’s been sidelined since being carted off a week ago.
He had a real chance at the No. 5 pass rusher spot with Jonathan Greenard on PUP, but he’s not expected to play Saturday. A return soon would help, but right now the setback has stalled his momentum.
Gushiken has mostly been a quiet presence on the third team in the slot, though he did manage a pass breakup earlier this week. He should see plenty of preseason action in the opener.
Underwood’s hold on the long snapping job looks shaky. He has had trouble consistently getting the ball back to Braden Mann on punts, with some snaps sailing high and to the right. The Eagles may need to bring in veteran competition.
Pulley has been one of the more active rookies on the back end. He’s made plays with the third-team defense and has moved up the depth chart in certain packages. He’s in the mix for the No. 4 safety spot and could help himself even more with a strong preseason.
Weru has been more advanced than Bernard among the International Pathway Program players. He’s made some progress in 1-on-1s and has been able to get to the quarterback.
Lawson hasn’t flashed enough yet, and that’s a problem with the off-ball linebacker group so crowded. He remains a practice squad type if he can show something in the weeks ahead.
Wilson has been making some plays during the developmental period, and he currently has the edge over newly signed UDFA defensive tackle David Blay. The Eagles added Blay this week after the Patriots waived him, which at least shows they want another look at him this summer. Since he just arrived, there isn’t much more to say on him yet.
Hayes has chipped in with a few catches in practice and has handled his role well since signing last week. With injuries at wide receiver, he’s more of a camp body than a true roster candidate, but he’s done what’s been asked of him.
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What has stood out about Hurts is not just how he plays, but how steadily he has carried himself through the noise. He has spent his career dealing with criticism, scrutiny and constant outside pressure, and the Eagles continue to lean on that calm as much as they lean on his arm and legs. In a city that never softens its demands on the starting quarterback, Hurts keeps looking like a player built to handle the weight of it. [Read more 🡒]