Being on thePhiladelphia Eagles' roster (or any other NFL squad) doesn't guarantee anything beyond the next opportunity. Howie Roseman consistently builds enough depth that guys on the back half of the depth chart can't get too comfortable. In a competitive league, players who aren't taking advantage of their chances can quickly find themselves sliding down the pecking order.
That is especially true when injuries create temporary openings and new additions change the competition around them. That said, with two games in the rearview mirror, three Eagles aren't necessarily facing immediate danger, but they have plenty of reasons to make their presence felt against the Chicago Bears.
E.J. Jenkins, tight end
E.J. Jenkins played 25 snaps against the Titans, but he still
hasn't caught a pass this season. More importantly, he hasn't even been targeted, which makes his role harder to define now that Zach Ertz is back in Philadelphia.
Jenkins has shown some value as a pass blocker, but Ertz's return creates another layer of competition in the tight end room. With Dallas Goedert expected to miss time, someone should have opportunities to step up. If Jenkins can't turn his snaps into more noticeable contributions, it is fair to wonder whether there will still be room for him once Goedert eventually returns.
That isn't necessarily a Week 3 decision. It may be something worth monitoring over the next month, particularly if Ertz establishes himself as a meaningful part of the offense.
A.J. Epenesa, EDGE
A.J. Epenesa has had an opportunity to make a name for himself while Jonathan Greenard has been sidelined, but so far, the production hasn't followed the opportunity. He has played 20 defensive snaps and another 11 on special teams this season, accounting for roughly 16% and 20% of those respective snaps.
Arnold Ebiketie has been trusted more often, playing 43 defensive snaps and 18 on special teams through two games. Truth be told, Ebiketie has looked more comfortable and effective when he's on the field. Neither player is starting, but the difference in usage is noticeable.
Epenesa has three tackles so far this season. Once Greenard returns, the available snaps will shrink even further. That makes the present an important window for Epenesa to give the Eagles a reason to keep finding him playing time.
Ty Robinson, defensive tackle
This one is particularly interesting because Robinson entered the regular season with some momentum after a strong preseason. Many observers believed he had taken a step forward and might carve out a role in Philadelphia's deep defensive-tackle rotation.
That hasn't happened. Robinson has played only three defensive snaps this season and 25 on special teams, and even that workload could become harder to maintain as the Eagles continue sorting through their options.
The defensive tackle room is one of Philadelphia's deepest position groups. Jalen Carter is one of the team's stars, Moro Ojomo has continued to impress, and Vic Fangio said Wednesday that getting Jordan Davis more involved on third down is a realistic possibility. That leaves Robinson fighting for scraps in an increasingly crowded room.
Three defensive snaps through two games clearly show where things stand. Robinson needs something to change, and Monday night would be a good time to start.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 3 Eagles on the hot seat ahead of Philadelphia's Week 3 game vs. Bears
