Jordan Davis didn’t play in the Eagles’ preseason opener, but he still left Baltimore with a clear message about what he sees coming from Philadelphia’s defense.
JD checking in 👇 pic.twitter.com/FI2e8fSiKm
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) August 16, 2026
The big defensive tackle made the trip to M&T Bank Park and watched Vic Fangio’s group spend the first half looking every bit the part against the Ravens’ reserve offense. With first- and second-string players leading the way, the Eagles held Baltimore to seven points before halftime and got to starting quarterback Tyler “Snoop” Huntley twice in the first quarter.
That was enough for Davis to sound optimistic about what the unit can become in 2026.
“Sky's the limit for us, but we know potential is nothing if we don't apply ourselves,” Davis said. “So, you know, we just keep on working.
Even though this is the preseason game, we still got practices left. They're still in camp, and we're just excited to get to Week 1.”
Philadelphia’s defense is coming with some turnover, and at least three new starters are expected for Week 1. But the early signs were encouraging, especially with expected Week 1 starter Jihaad Campbell and another possible option in Michael Carter II both on the field.
The Eagles have long leaned on their defense as the backbone of the roster, even if the offense has usually carried the bigger price tag. Now, with new pieces in place and several reserves making noise in the preseason debut, there’s at least reason to think Fangio’s group could be in for a big year if the health and development keep trending the right way.
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The Eagles made a quick roster tweak after their preseason opener, bringing in cornerback Isaiah Bolden while moving on from offensive lineman Hollin Pierce. Bolden, a 2024 seventh-round pick by the New England Patriots, arrives as a depth add on the back end, while Pierce, an undrafted free agent from last year, was cut after a quiet summer that never seemed to gain much traction.
It also reads like a small but telling nod to where Philadelphia thinks it needs help most. The secondary had its issues in the preseason loss to the Ravens, and with camp still offering limited time for evaluation, the Eagles are giving themselves another body to sort through in the defensive backfield as the roster picture keeps taking shape. [Read more 🡒]
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What makes this decision worth watching is how little separation there seems to be in the public view, even as the projections point in different directions. The Eagles still have to weigh upside against roster math, and that is where the tension lives for two rookies who have already given fans reason to pay attention. For now, the picture remains fluid, and the final call figures to say as much about the teams long-term planning as it does about either players immediate future. [Read more 🡒]
Eagles Bubble Players Just Made These Roster Decisions Much Harder
The preseason opener against Baltimore gave the Eagles a fresh look at the bottom of the roster, and a few players took real advantage of the stage. Defensive tackle Robinson flashed with pressures and a sack, Weru showed enough as a pass rusher to get noticed, Shipley helped the offense, and offensive linemen Ojukwu and Lampkin both held up in their roles while trying to separate themselves in a crowded competition.
Ringo also added a key interception, even with a penalty attached to the play, which is the kind of mixed rsum that can still make life difficult for the front office. When a game like this produces multiple players who can point to useful reps, it turns August into a sorting exercise, and the Eagles now have some tougher calls ahead as they try to piece together both the 53-man roster and the practice squad. [Read more 🡒]