The Eagles’ second preseason game should once again be a showcase for the rookies, not the established names. With most of the top players unlikely to start against the Patriots, the night is set up for draft picks and undrafted free agents to spend four quarters trying to make their case to the coaching staff.
Makai Lemon is one of the more interesting names to watch simply because he’s just getting back on the practice field. The rookie missed a few weeks while recovering from a hamstring injury, and he’s not expected to play Saturday night.
There’s still a chance he could get some pregame workout action, though. If Lemon is back at practice after this game, that would be a positive step toward getting him ready for the regular season.
Eli Stowers also has plenty to prove. His NFL debut was mediocre at best, and he needs to show much more as a receiver if he wants to establish himself early in his pro career, even as a backup to Dallas Goedert. He should be on the field a lot, with chances to contribute both as a pass-catcher and as a blocker.
Markel Bell already made a strong first impression last week, and the buzz around him is real. He held up well against talented Ravens pass rushers, and there’s an expectation that he can eventually step into Lane Johnson’s shoes a year from now. Another solid outing against New England would only strengthen that case.
Then there’s Kapena Gushiken, who quietly looks like one of the more promising rookie defenders on the roster. The former Ole Miss safety brings versatility, physicality and confidence, and he stood out against Baltimore. With the Eagles thin at safety, a strong showing in the preseason could put the UDFA in position to earn a roster spot.
In Other News...
Scary Injury Briefly Stopped The Patriots Game And Drew An Update
The opening kickoff of the Eagles preseason game against the Patriots turned unnerving almost immediately when rookie running back JaQuinden Jackson went down after taking a knee to the head. The injury briefly stopped the game and led to Jackson being removed from the field by ambulance, turning an otherwise routine exhibition into a tense sideline scene before most fans had settled in.
Philadelphia later provided a reassuring initial update, saying Jackson had strength and movement in all extremities and was headed to a local hospital for further evaluation. For a team trying to sort out its backfield and get through August healthy, the focus quickly shifted from the snap of the game to Jacksons condition and what comes next. [Read more 🡒]
Carson Steele Just Forced A Tough Eagles Backfield Decision
Carson Steele gave the Eagles something to think about in a preseason showing against the Patriots, flashing the kind of all-purpose skill set that can make a crowded backfield suddenly feel a little less settled. He found the end zone, moved the chains as both a runner and receiver, and showed enough versatility to stand out in a game where roster hopefuls are trying to make every touch count.
For a Philadelphia team that already has plenty of bodies competing for snaps in the backfield, Steeles value may be tied to more than just carries. His ability to contribute on offense and special teams gives him a real case to keep pressing for a spot, but with final decisions still ahead, his performance has at least made the conversation more interesting than it was before kickoff. [Read more 🡒]
Eagles Roster Debate Now Hinges On One More Veteran WR Move
With roster cuts and the opener approaching, the Eagles are still sorting through the kind of depth move that can shape the bottom of the depth chart and the back end of the passing game. A suggestion from Philly Voice has added another wrinkle, with the idea of sending backup quarterback Andy Dalton to the Patriots in exchange for wide receiver Mack Hollins, a familiar name for Philadelphia fans who remember his earlier stint with the team.
Hollins spent last season with New England and turned in a productive year there, which is part of why the idea has traction as Philadelphia weighs whether to add one more veteran receiver. For now, it remains only a proposal, and it is unclear whether the Eagles will actually pursue it before the season begins. [Read more 🡒]