The Philadelphia Eagles will look to end a five-game losing streak as they travel to face the Washington Commanders in Week 8, and the team's latest depth chart offers a closer look at personnel changes that could shape Sunday's NFC East matchup.
Philadelphia (2-5) is coming off a 38-21 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night, a game in which the Eagles produced several encouraging offensive drives but struggled to sustain momentum against a Dallas offense that controlled much of the second half. The Eagles are navigating significant injuries and roster changes, with Tanner McKee directing the offense following Jalen Hurts' season-ending absence. The offensive line has undergone considerable turnover, while the defense continues to adjust
its personnel in the secondary and along the edge.
According to the team's official depth chart, compiled by the Eagles' communications department Tuesday, Oct. 27, McKee remains the starting quarterback, with Joe Milton listed second and Cole Payton third. Landon Dickerson is listed at left guard, while second-round pick Drew Kendall continues to start at center.
The defensive depth chart also includes several notable developments, with Jonathan Greenard sharing the top listing at both edge-rusher positions and Michael Carter II listed ahead of Marcus Epps at one safety spot.
Here is the Eagles' full Week 8 depth chart, followed by seven takeaways entering their matchup against Washington.
Eagles Week 8 offensive depth chart
Eagles Week 8 defensive depth chart
Eagles Week 8 special teams depth chart
7 takeaways from the Eagles' Week 8 depth chart
1. Tanner McKee remains the starter, with Joe Milton as his backup
McKee remains Philadelphia's starting quarterback after consecutive starts against Carolina and Dallas, and the third-year passer will again direct an offense that has struggled to produce consistently.
McKee completed 14 of 22 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown against Dallas, connecting with rookie Makai Lemon for a third-quarter score that briefly gave Philadelphia a 21-20 lead. The Eagles, however, couldn't maintain that advantage and dropped their fifth straight game.
Milton is listed as the No. 2 quarterback, with Payton third. That order is notable after Philadelphia identified Milton as the primary backup for Monday night's matchup against Dallas. With Hurts sidelined for the remainder of the season, the Eagles will continue evaluating McKee's ability to lead an offense attempting to establish consistency.
2. Landon Dickerson is listed at left guard
One of the more encouraging developments on Philadelphia's depth chart is Dickerson's return to starting left guard, ahead of Willie Lampkin.
Dickerson was sidelined by an injury that disrupted the Eagles' offensive line, forcing the team to use different combinations as it tried to stabilize a struggling running game and improve pass protection.
3. Drew Kendall remains the starting center
Kendall is listed as Philadelphia's starting center, with Jake Majors serving as his backup. The second-year offensive lineman has taken on an important role following changes to the Eagles' offensive line. His continued development and ability to establish consistency in the middle will be critical as Philadelphia attempts to improve its running game and pass protection.
The Eagles have struggled to consistently establish the run, making Kendall's development a key storyline as the season progresses.
Philadelphia's offensive line will be particularly important against Washington because the Eagles can finish drives in the red zone but have struggled to consistently move the ball into scoring position. Better protection and production in short-yardage situations could help Mannion establish a more balanced attack.
4. Markel Bell continues to hold the starting right tackle spot
Bell remains listed as the starting right tackle, with veteran Fred Johnson behind him. The position has undergone a significant transition following Lane Johnson's retirement, leaving Philadelphia searching for consistent production on the right side of its offensive line.
Bell faces an important assignment protecting McKee while helping create running lanes for Barkley and Pierce. His continued development will be critical for an offense that has struggled to generate explosive plays and sustain possessions.
The Eagles have gotten elite production from Jordan Mailata at left tackle, but improving the opposite side remains a priority entering the second half of the season.
5. Jonathan Greenard is listed at both edge-rusher positions
The defensive depth chart lists Greenard alongside Jalyx Hunt at one edge-rusher spot and Nolan Smith at the other, showing Philadelphia's flexibility with its outside pass rushers.
Greenard was active against Dallas after an ankle injury, giving defensive coordinator Vic Fangio another experienced option on the defensive front.
The Eagles will need improved pass-rush production after struggling to pressure Dak Prescott during Monday night's loss. Dallas did not allow a sack, and Philadelphia's inability to consistently disrupt the Cowboys' passing attack contributed to one of the defense's most difficult performances of the season.
Greenard's health and role will be important as the Eagles prepare to face another mobile quarterback in Jayden Daniels.
6. Michael Carter II is listed ahead of Marcus Epps at safety
One notable defensive listing puts Carter ahead of Epps at safety. Andrew Mukuba is listed at the other safety position, with Kenny Moore II serving as his backup.
The alignment further shows Philadelphia's willingness to use versatile defensive backs in different roles. Cooper DeJean remains the starting nickel cornerback, with Mac McWilliams listed behind him, while Quinyon Mitchell and Riq Woolen occupy the outside cornerback spots.
Carter and Moore provide positional flexibility, giving Fangio options when matching personnel against different offensive formations.
The Eagles will need better secondary execution after allowing Dallas to score on six of its seven offensive possessions Monday night.
7. Saquon Barkley's health remains the biggest offensive question
Barkley remains Philadelphia's starting running back, with Pierce listed behind him, but the veteran's availability will be one of the most important storylines throughout the practice week. Barkley suffered a back injury against Dallas and was listed as questionable to return. He did not return to the field after leaving the game, forcing Philadelphia to adjust its running back rotation. The Eagles have already dealt with significant injuries at the position, making Barkley's health particularly important for an offense averaging just 18.1 points per game.
Philadelphia opened Monday night's matchup with consecutive touchdown drives featuring Barkley and Pierce, demonstrating how effective the offense can be when the running game establishes a rhythm.
The Eagles will need that balance against Washington, especially as McKee continues to develop as the team's starting quarterback.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles release Week 8 depth chart ahead of Commanders matchup
