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USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Glenn Erby

Updated Eagles’ 53-man roster projection ahead of preseason matchup vs. Patriots

Philadelphia is back at the NovaCare Complex for Week 3 of training camp and is starting to prepare for a joint practice and the second preseason matchup of the summer against New England.

The Patriots will host the Eagles for a joint practice session on Tuesday, August 13, prior to their preseason game on Thursday, August 15. Practice will begin at 10:30 AM, and gates will open to fans at 9:30 AM.

Philadelphia has increased the intensity of practice season after the 2023 collapse, and Thursday night’s matchup offers another chance to clarify several high-profile roster battles. Players on the bubble will look to create separation, and we will be watching to see which starters, if any, will play in the first quarter after an intense Tuesday session.

With the Eagles having defeated the Ravens and made three roster moves since last week, we’re unveiling the fourth 53-man roster prediction ahead of cutdown day and the regular season opener.

1
#1 QB Jalen Hurts

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – AUGUST 09: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles watches the game in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens in a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 09, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Hurts will look to reduce the turnovers under first-year OC Kellen Moore.

2
#7 QB Kenny Pickett

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – AUGUST 09: Kenny Pickett #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws a pass in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens in a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 09, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

After being traded to the Eagles, the former Steelers first-round pick has been solid in training camp, but he’ll have to defeat Tanner McKee to maintain the backup job.

3
#19 QB Tanner McKee

Aug 9, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee (16) looks to pass during the second half of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

McKee would have to fall off the cliff to lose a roster spot to Will Grier, and he could rise up to the backup quarterback spot.

4
#26 RB Saquon Barkley

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – AUGUST 09: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up before the preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 09, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

The former Penn State star has yet to play in the preseason.

5
#14 RB Kenneth Gainwell

May 30, 2024; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) runs with the ball during practice at NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Gainwell will enter Year 4 looking to lock down the backup running back spot.

6
#39 RB Will Shipley

Aug 9, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley (39) makes a catch for a touchdown during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The rookie is a jack of all trades and made his mark during his debut against the Ravens.

7
#11WR A.J. Brown

Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) runs with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

8
#6 WR DeVonta Smith

Dec 18, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) catches a pass against Seattle Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs (6, right) during the third quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Smith is firmly entrenched as a ‘Batman’ after signing his 3-year, $75 million contract extension.

9
#18 WR Britain Covey

Dec 25, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Britain Covey (18) returns a punt against the New York Giants during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Johnny Wilson should be locked to make the final roster. Covey makes the roster over John Ross, and he’s still the best punt returner on the roster.

10
#89 WR Johnny Wilson

Aug 9, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Johnny Wilson (89) gains yards after his first quarter catch against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

You can’t teach size, and Wilson makes the cut as the Eagles work to utilize his unique skill set.

11
#88 TE Dallas Goedert

Jan 15, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (88) scores a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a reception during the first half of a 2024 NFC wild card game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Goedert will look to record his first 1,000-yard season.

12
#81 Grant Calcaterra

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 17: Grant Calcaterra #81 of the Philadelphia Eagles reaches for a pass during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field on August 17, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Calcaterra is a capable pass catcher, and provides special teams depth.

13
#84 TE E.J. Jenkins

Aug 12, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New York Jets tight end E.J. Jenkins (49) scores a touchdown as Carolina Panthers safety Sam Franklin Jr. (42) defends in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Okwuegbunam Jr. had no role under former offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, and he’s done nothing to separate himself, opening things up for E.J. Jenkins as the third tight end. Armani Rogers is another player to watch.

14
#68 OL Jordan Mailata

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 03: Jordan Mailata #68 of the Philadelphia Eagles walks off the field at halftime in the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field on December 03, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Mailata signed a 3-year, $66 million contract extension and is one of the best left tackles in the NFL.

15
#69 OL Landon Dickerson

Oct 22, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles guard Landon Dickerson (69) against the Miami Dolphins at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Dickerson signed a new 4-year, $98 million deal and is the best left guard and highest paid in the NFL.

16
#51 OL Cam Jurgens

Dec 25, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles center Cam Jurgens (51) against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Entering his third season, Jurgens will face enormous pressure after Jason Kelce announces his retirement.

17
#56 OL Tyler Steen

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 05: Lane Johnson #65 and Tyler Steen #56 of the Philadelphia Eagles look on against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on November 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Steen is under pressure, and it looks like Mekhi Becton will unseat him.

18
#65 OL Lane Johnson

Oct 1, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (65) against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The All-Pro will play his first season without Jason Kelce and be called upon to anchor a retooled offensive line.

19
#77 OL Mekhi Becton

Dec 10, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets offensive tackle Mekhi Becton (77) enter the field before the game against the Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The big ticket offers potential, and he could earn the starting right guard spot.

20
#74 OL Fred Johnson

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – AUGUST 12: Offensive tackle Fred Johnson #50 of the Philadelphia Eagles lines up against the Baltimore Ravens during a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 12, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Johnson is Mailata’s primary backup and can play both offensive tackle positions.

21
#64 OL Brett Toth

Aug 9, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Brett Toth (64) stands on the sidelines during the first half of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Hennessy has done nothing to stand out over the first three weeks.

22
#79 OL Trevor Keegan

Aug 9, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles guard Trevor Keegan (79) stands on the sidelines during the first half of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The rookie offensive guard will compete with Tyler Steen for the right guard spot and bring toughness to the roster.

23
#63 OL Dylan McMahon

The rookie from North Carolina State has outplayed Matt Hennessy.

24
#0 DE Bryce Huff

Huff was essentially swapped for Haason Reddick, and he’ll be counted on to produce more than a situational ten sacks.

25
#19 DE Josh Sweat

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 03: Josh Sweat #94 of the Philadelphia Eagles knocks down Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 03, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Sweat will play in the final year of his deal, and he’ll look to secure double-digit sacks.

26
#3 LB Nolan Smith

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – AUGUST 09: Nolan Smith Jr. #3 of the Philadelphia Eagles sacks Devin Leary #13 of the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter o a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 09, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Smith will see an uptick in snaps and should carve out a rotational pass-rusher role.

27
#55 DE Brandon Graham

Dec 25, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (55) runs off the field after win against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Graham will play his final season in Philadelphia before retiring.

28
#58 LB Jalyx Hunt

Aug 9, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Josh Johnson (17) rolls out to pass as Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jalyx Hunt (58) applies pressure during the second quarter of a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The rookie linebacker will make the roster and will land a role as a situational pass rusher.

29
#48 LB Patrick Johnson

BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 09: Patrick Johnson #48 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with teammates after recovering a fumble against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 9, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

The pass rusher has always been stout on special teams, and his strip-sack in the preseason opener did not sway opinion.

30
#98 DT Jalen Carter

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 18: Jalen Carter #98 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 18, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

The runner-up for the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year, Carter will see his snaps and accountability increase as Fletcher Cox retires.

31
#90 DT Jordan Davis

Nov 26, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis (90) during warmups against the Buffalo Bills at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Like Jalen Carter, the expectations will rise for the 3rd year defensive tackle.

32
#93 DT Milton Williams

Dec 25, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) is pressured by Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams (93) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Williams is entering the final year of his deal and could have a breakout season at defensive tackle.

33
#97 DT Moro Ojomo

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 18: Moro Ojomo #72 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 18, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

The 2023 seventh-round pick will look to carve out a role alongside a stout defensive line.

34
#95 DT Marlon Tuipulotu

Aug 12, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) blocks Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu (95) at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

35
#17 LB Nakobe Dean

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 05: Nakobe Dean #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts during the second quarter in the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on November 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Dean enters a critical third year and competes with multiple players, including rookie Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

36
#45 LB Devin White

The former Buccaneers linebacker could transform the Eagles’ defense if he can regain his 2020-2021 form.

37
#53 LB Zack Baun

Aug 1, 2024; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni talks with Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun (53) during a training camp practice at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Baun is already a favorite of DC Vic Fangio and could carve out a role in multiple positions.

38
#54 LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

Nov 18, 2023; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (54) celebrates after sacking North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (not pictured) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

Trotter Jr. will enter his rookie system with the perfect support system, and he flashed during the preseason opener.

39
#57 LB Ben VanSumeren

Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Ben VanSumeren (57) in a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The second-year linebacker has been consistent this summer. He’s a special teams standout who makes the roster ahead of Oren Burks.

40
#2 CB Darius Slay

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 26: Darius Slay #2 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts during the first half of the game against the Buffalo Bills at Lincoln Financial Field on November 26, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Slay returns as the Eagles top cornerback, but at 33, he could be set for his final chance at winning a Super Bowl.

41
#30 CB Quinyon Mitchell

Aug 1, 2024; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (30) during a training camp practice at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The rookie has been as good as advertised and should start at cornerback opposite Darius Slay.

42
#33 CB Cooper DeJean

The rookie from Iowa is listed as a cornerback and is dealing with a hamstring injury, but he’ll see snaps at every position. He could allow Philadelphia to carry one less safety and move on from Avonte Maddox.

43
#34 CB Isaiah Rodgers

Aug 1, 2024; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Isaiah Rodgers (34) during a training camp practice at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Rodgers has returned to the gridiron after serving a one-year suspension and will compete for a role as cornerback and as the primary kick return specialist.

44
#22 CB Kelee Ringo

Jan 7, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Kelee Ringo (22) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Ringo appears to be the more impactful player than Eli Ricks and will land a roster spot after impressive rookie development. He’ll battle Quinyon Mitchell for the starting cornerback spot opposite Darius Slay.

45
#28 CB Josh Jobe

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 08: Josh Jobe #28 of the Philadelphia Eagles during warm up before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Special teams play is essential, and Jobe is one of the best gunners in the NFL.

46
#32 DB Reed Blankenship

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JANUARY 07: Reed Blankenship #32 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates an interception with Eli Ricks #39 during the second quarter in the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on January 07, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Blankenship signed a two-year extension, and he’s developed into one of the top young safeties In the NFL.

47
#8 DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson

Gardner-Johnson returns to Philadelphia after spending one season in Detroit, and he’ll bring swagger and big-play potential to Vic Fangio’s secondary.

48
#21 DB Sydney Brown

Jan 7, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Philadelphia Eagles safety Sydney Brown (21) is carted off the field after an injury during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Brown will start the season on the PUP list while rehabbing his torn ACL.

49
#24 DB James Bradberry

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 26: James Bradberry #24 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with teammates after an interception during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Lincoln Financial Field on November 26, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

After not having Bradberry on our initial 53-man roster predictions, the Eagles’ newest safety could make the roster if he’s not traded in late summer. Sydney Brown starting camp on the PUP list could bode well for Bradberry’s future in Philadelphia.

50
#29 DB Avonte Maddox

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Avonte Maddox participates in drills during the first day of training camp at the NovaCare Complex in Philadelphia on July 26, 2023.

The veteran cornerback can play in the slot and he can play safety, ensuring his role on the roster.

51
#4 K Jake Elliott

Jan 15, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Eagles place kicker Jake Elliott (4) kicks a field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of a 2024 NFC wild card game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

The All-Pro signed a four-year contract extension.

52
#49 LS Rick Lovato

TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 15: Rick Lovato #45 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on prior to the NFC Wild Card Playoffs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

53
#10 P Braden Mann

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JANUARY 07: Braden Mann #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts prior to the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on January 07, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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