We’re just hours away from the Eagles’ preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. The rain-soaked matchup provides the perfect backdrop for several players on the roster bubble to stand out in a game that will see Philadelphia’s starters play one series.
For the Ravens, Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are among the starters for Baltimore expected to sit out.
With kickoff quickly approaching, here are ten players on the roster bubble to watch.
Players on the Roster Bubble to Watch
Joseph Ngata
Ngata needs a solid showing to avoid getting lost in the wide receiver battle behind Britain Covey, Johnny Wilson, and John Ross.
Mekhi Becton
A strong showing in the preseason opener could give Becton the edge in the battle Tyler Steen.
John Ross
Ross has gone from the potential third wide receiver to someone who has lost some momentum to Johnny Wilson and Britain Covey.
Tyrion Davis-Price
Price-Davis needs a strong training camp to justify Philadelphia keeping four running backs on the roster, and he’s currently behind Lew Nichols on the depth chart.
Max Scharping
Scharping has 33 career starts and brings more versatility and depth to the offensive line group. Friday offers the first chance to prove he belongs in Stoutland’s group.
Albert Okwuegbunam
This preseason likely offers Okwuegbunam the final chance to prove to the Eagles that he can be a downfield option in the passing game behind Dallas Goedert and Grant Calcaterra.
Marlon Tuipulotu
Tuipulotu is a stout run-stopper who has played 28 games in three seasons, with 232 snaps being his career high in a single season.
Thomas Booker
The Texans selected former Stanford defensive tackle Thomas Booker in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Booker played in 15 games last season, registering 10 tackles, a pass deflection, and half a sack. Friday night allows Booker to compete with Moro Ojomo and Marlon Tuipulotu in the position battle.
Ben VanSumeren
VanSumeren is a tackling machine, and the poor weather in Baltimore gives the former Michigan State linebacker another chance to show that he can be an every-down linebacker.
Tyler Hall
Hall spent time on the Raiders’ active roster and practice squad last season, appearing in 11 games.
The Wyoming product recorded 20 tackles while seeing snaps in the slot on defense and special teams, and Friday night offers an opportunity to show that he can play multiple spots.
Eli Ricks
The former Alabama cornerback is stuck behind Quinyon Mitchell, Isaiah Rodgers, and Kelee Ringo for the outside cornerback spot. Friday night offers Ricks an opportunity to prove to Vic Fangio that he can be the fifth or sixth cornerback.
Andre’ Sam
Sam (5-11, 191 pounds) made the jump from FCS after starting his career in 2017 at McNeese State, where he was selected First Team All-Southland Conference twice. Sam transferred to Marshall for the 2022 season before spending last year at LSU. Overall, he played 58 games in college, registering 144 tackles, 10 pass defenses, and nine interceptions. Friday night offers a chance to create a roster battle with James Bradberry and Tristin McCollum for the fourth safety spot.
Behind the Scenes: A Look at the Eagles Equipment Staff
While the players are on the field battling for a spot on the roster, the equipment staff is hard at work making sure they have everything they need. The Eagles’ equipment staff is known for its dedication and hard work, and they are led by Greg Delimitros, the team’s vice president of equipment operations.
Delimitros, who works long hours and is always thinking ahead, oversees a team of dedicated individuals who make sure that the Eagles have the best equipment in the NFL. They take pride in their work and they are always looking for ways to improve.
A Prank Call That Almost Was
A video from G.O.A.T Farm Sports shows DeJean receiving a prank call telling him the Packers had selected him during the 2024 NFL Draft.
DeJean seemed to believe the call until he asked who was speaking, at which point he hung up.
The former Iowa corner was still on the board for the Packers' first pick at No. 25. Green Bay used the selection to draft former Arizona offensive lineman Jordan Morgan.
DeJean had to wait until the second day of the draft to hear his name called, when the Eagles traded up to select him with the No. 40 pick.
The rookie, who played both outside and slot corner while playing with the Eagles earlier this offseason, is still waiting to make his debut with his new NFL team after suffering a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined from training camp so far.
