The Philadelphia Eagles have one preseason game remaining and more viable roster candidates than available jobs.
Friday’s finale against Cincinnati will not erase an entire summer of evaluations. It can, however, settle a close competition or convince the Eagles to retain an extra player at a particular position. The following players face different circumstances. Some are competing directly for jobs, while others could be affected by injuries, positional numbers or the decision to prioritize younger talent. These are roster assessments, not announced team decisions.
1. QB Andy Dalton
Dalton’s experience remains valuable, but the Eagles also have Tanner McKee and rookie Cole Payton behind Jalen Hurts. Carrying all four quarterbacks would require an unusual allocation
of roster space. Dalton needs to show why his immediate value warrants that commitment.
2. RB Dameon Pierce
Pierce has returned from the hamstring issue that interrupted his camp, but Will Shipley and Carson Steele have strengthened their cases in his absence. Pierce needs to demonstrate that his running style and special-teams contributions provide something Philadelphia cannot easily replace.
3. RB Carson Steele
Steele’s receiving production against New England made him one of the Eagles’ biggest preseason risers. The question is whether Philadelphia will carry a fourth running back or hybrid back. His blocking and special-teams work could determine whether that extra spot makes sense.
4. WR Elijah Moore
Moore faces a numbers problem behind DeVonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks, Makai Lemon and Hollywood Brown. Darius Cooper has also made a strong case. Moore needs to separate himself from Britain Covey and the other receivers competing for the remaining opportunities.
5. WR Britain Covey
Covey’s return ability provides a clear path to the roster, and his touchdown against New England helped his offensive case. Philadelphia must decide whether that combination is more useful than another receiver’s offensive upside or an additional player elsewhere.
6. TE Grant Calcaterra
Calcaterra’s experience matters, but Dallas Goedert, Johnny Mundt and Eli Stowers give Philadelphia three different options at tight end. Calcaterra’s back injury adds another complication. His outlook depends partly on health and whether the Eagles decide to keep four players at the position.
7. TE Cameron Latu
Latu can make his case through strong blocking, solid pass-catching, and the ability to handle a variety of assignments. He is competing against other tight ends, and potentially against Steele, for a flexible offensive role. A productive finale would help, but dependable assignments are essential.
8. OT Myles Hinton
Hinton must demonstrate that his positional flexibility translates into trustworthy game snaps. The Eagles have Fred Johnson and Markel Bell behind their starting tackles, while interior depth has become increasingly competitive. Hinton needs to justify another offensive line spot.
9. OL Jake Majors
Majors is part of a crowded interior competition. Drew Kendall and Willie Lampkin have generated momentum, although Lampkin’s health remains worth monitoring. Majors can improve his position through consistent protection, clean exchanges and the ability to handle multiple assignments.
10. DT Gabe Hall
Hall is competing behind a defensive tackle group led by Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis and Moro Ojomo. Ty Robinson’s strong preseason has increased the pressure on everyone behind them. Hall needs to make keeping another interior defender more appealing than adding depth elsewhere.
11. DB Shaun Wade
Wade has forced a fumble in each preseason game, but takeaways are only one part of the evaluation. He must pair that production with dependable coverage and tackling. His playing time against New England gave Philadelphia plenty of material to evaluate.
12. CB Mac McWilliams
McWilliams offers another option in the slot, but his shoulder issue has complicated his opportunity to establish consistency. Michael Carter II’s versatility creates additional competition. McWilliams’ ability to contribute defensively and on special teams will matter when Philadelphia sets its secondary numbers.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 12 Eagles on the roster bubble entering preseason finale vs. Bengals
