As the Philadelphia Eagles and each of the other 31 NFL franchises inch closer to cut day, roster battles continue to play out. This process is never easy, but a seldom-mentioned training camp competition is more interesting than advertised. Everyone wants to know who will win the backup quarterback job. That's true for obvious reasons. It's the most important position in sports. 'Wide receiver' is one of the game's glamour positions, so everyone will obviously take notes on what's transpiring there.
Perhaps you may have heard. Eagles fans are football-crazy, so their analysis often goes deeper. Every depth piece along the offensive line and across the secondary is under the microscope, but there's one competition that has quietly developed beneath
the surface.
Sean Mannion's offense needs a fullback, even though one can argue they won't be seen very often, but quietly, the battle there is just as spirited as any other the summer has offered. The competing parties are Cameron Latu and Carson Steele. One we know, the other not as much, and by the looks of things, there's a chance the victor in their tussle won't be announced until the 53-man roster is introduced.
A close Eagles competition enters the final stretch
The battle for a potential fullback role may ultimately come down to the final days of the preseason, with Carson Steele and Cameron Latu continuing to make their cases for what could be one of the last offensive roster spots available.
Neither player is competing for a traditional fullback job in the old-school sense. Instead, both offer versatility that could appeal to a coaching staff seeking players who can contribute across multiple phases of the game. Whether lining up as an H-back, tight end, lead blocker, or special teams contributor, both players bring unique value to the table.
Latu may hold the edge in familiarity. He's the incumbent who appeared in 15 games for Philadelphia last season. He made two starts while becoming a valuable contributor on special teams.
He recorded 11 tackles in 2025 and earned praise from coaches for his energy, physicality, and work in the kicking game. If you remember, he blocked the early punt against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4 last season.
His stock has continued to rise through training camp. During joint practices with the New England Patriots, observers in attendance praised Latu's blocking and versatility. Eagles writer Dave Zangarohighlighted one of the rare opportunities in which he got to put his hands on the football.
"Saw a really fun play from TE/FB Cameron Latu. He caught a pass in the flat and started to run over Patriots defenders."
Steele, meanwhile, brings slightly more NFL offensive experience. He signed a futures deal with the Eagles in January. The former Kansas City Chief appeared in 17 games and made three starts. He totaled 56 carries for 183 yards while adding seven receptions. He entered camp with a steep hill to climb and simultaneously a legitimate opportunity to carve out a role.
One can argue neither player has gone away. One can also argue neither has separated himself enough to make the decision easy. With cutdown day approaching, one of the Eagles' most overlooked roster battles may require every remaining preseason snap before a winner emerges.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Cameron Latu, Carson Steele battle for Eagles roster spot
