Eagles Preseason: Key Players to Watch in Roster Battle vs. Bengals
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles, fresh off a Super Bowl victory last season, are kicking off their 2025 campaign with a preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. While the Bengals plan to field their starters, the Eagles will be giving their top players a rest. Tonight’s game is less about star power and more about the fierce competition for roster spots and playing time.
With several key positions up for grabs, here is a breakdown of the Eagles players who will be under the microscope in their first preseason test.
Game Details and Roster Strategy
The Eagles’ decision to rest their starters is a common preseason strategy, prioritizing player health and avoiding unnecessary injuries. However, the game presents a unique and valuable opportunity for players on the bubble. With the Bengals’ offense, led by quarterback Joe Burrow and star receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, expected to play, the Eagles’ second and third-string players will get a high-stakes test against elite NFL talent.
Linebackers: A Fierce Competition
The linebacker unit has been a focal point of training camp. With All-Pro Zack Baun returning as a starter and Nakobe Dean recovering from an injury, a key starting spot is open. Two young linebackers are battling fiercely for the role:
- Jihaad Campbell: The rookie from South Jersey, who missed offseason programs with a torn labrum, has impressed in training camp. His performance against the Bengals will be crucial in determining if he can secure a Week 1 starting role next to Baun.
- Jeremiah Trotter Jr.: The second-year linebacker, son of Eagles legend Jeremiah Trotter, is also in the mix. After primarily playing on special teams last season, he has had a strong camp and is competing directly with Campbell for the job.
Rookie Smael Mondon Jr. is another player to watch as he looks to secure a spot in the linebacker rotation.
Secondary: Battles at Safety and Cornerback
The Eagles are looking to fill key spots in the secondary after trading safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. The starting safety role alongside Reed Blankenship is a two-man race:
- Sydney Brown: Entering his third season, Brown is a favorite for the job. He has been taking first-team reps in camp and is “making real good progress” under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
- Andrew Mukuba: The rookie has also impressed but has been sidelined with a shoulder injury, making it unlikely he will play tonight. This gives players like Tristin McCollum and Andre Sam a chance to show their value.
At cornerback, the battle for the starting outside spot next to Quinyon Mitchell is heating up between Kelee Ringo and veteran Adoree’ Jackson. Both players will be put to the ultimate test against the Bengals’ star wideouts, a trial that could decide the starter for the season opener.
Offensive and Defensive Rotations
On offense, the wide receiver depth chart behind stars A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson is wide open. Elijah Cooks and former second-round pick Terrace Marshall have both had strong camps and are fighting for a roster spot. Rookie wideouts Johnny Wilson and Ainias Smith will also be pushing for a place on the team.
On the defensive line, the Eagles need to replace the veteran presence of Brandon Graham, who retired, and Josh Sweat, who left in free agency. New additions Azeez Ojulari and Joshua Uche have had quiet camps, and the coaching staff will be looking for them to make an impact against the Bengals.
Finally, at quarterback, rookie Kyle McCord will get ample playing time as he competes with Dorian Thompson-Robinson for the third-string quarterback role. The Eagles hope McCord can follow a similar developmental path to Tanner McKee, who has impressed in the preseason over the past two years.