The Eagles head into their bye week in Week 10 with the best record in the NFL, and as Jalen Hurts and company work to get healthy, head coach Nick Sirianni should be focused on expanding roles.
Philadelphia is headed toward a deep playoff run, and they’ll need to rely on depth, talent, and versatility at multiple positions.
With Thursday night football set to kick off in a few hours, we’re looking at seven Eagles who deserve a more significant role in the second half of the season after the bye week.
CB Eli Ricks
Ricks received a baptism by fire from Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb (11 catches, 191 yards). Still, as Sean Desai stated before the matchup, it was an invaluable experience and one needed for a brash cornerback who’ll be depended on down stretch.
Philadelphia has dealt with injuries at the slot cornerback spot, as well as at the cornerback spots belonging to both Darius Slay and James Bradberry.
Ricks has averaged 16 snaps per game over the last four and played a career-high 25 against the Commanders in Week 8, per Dave Zangaro.
Ricks has played inside cornerback and outside, making that much more versatile and essential down the stretch.
RB Rashaad Penny
Penny rushed twice for eight yards in Sunday’s 28-23 win over the Cowboys and received carries on his two snaps played.
At some point, the hard-running tailback from San Diego State has to get an opportunity. Brian Johnson could start to employ Penny similarly to how Todd Monken utilizes Gus Edwards.
WR Julio Jones
Julio Jones has been targeted three times in two games, and Quez Watkins will be eligible to return from injured reserve next week.
With Goedert set to be placed on injured reserve, Jones could steal some of the targets intended for the talented tight end, utilizing his size in the red zone or crucial situations.
TE Albert Okwuegbunam
Albert Okwuegbunam has totaled six offensive snaps since general manager Howie Roseman acquired him in an Aug. 29 trade with the Denver Broncos. Still, he’s the closest thing athletically to Goedert on the roster.
Okwuegbunam had seven catches for 109 yards and a touchdown in the Broncos’ final preseason game.
A 2020 4th-round pick, he’s logged 54 catches for 546 yards and four scores in 3 seasons in Denver.
LB Nolan Smith
With Haason Reddick wrecking games as an All-Pro, meaningful snaps have been difficult for Smith to find, but he’ll need to be on the field more.
Smith has played in every game, totaling 47 defensive snaps (9%).
It’s a deep edge rusher room, but after making Derek Barnett inactive for Week 9, defensive coordinator Sean Desai can find playing time for an athletic pass rusher with an elite first step, power, and a relentless motor.
DT Jalen Carter
The ninth draft pick is a favorite for the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year award while carving out a role in the Eagles’ deep defensive tackle rotation.
Carter has four quarterback sacks, more than two dozen quarterback pressures, and has been disruptive in all game phases while logging a career-high 51 snaps.
Fletcher Cox has been stout this season and needs to see his share of snaps slightly decline for Carter.
DT Moro Ojomo
Ojomo has been active for only two games, with nine defensive snaps, but he offers versatility and playmaking ability and is a huge reason why Howie Roseman traded Kentavius Street.
