Eagles rookie has a shot to snatch job away from veteran teammate with a good performance against Patriots
Week 1 of the NFL's preseason games are in the rearview mirror, but not entirely as training camp competitions still loom and many players look to build off of the first week or make a better impression in Week 2. For the Philadelphia Eagles, there are (at least) three obvious players who need a strong […]
Week 1 of the NFL's preseason games are in the rearview mirror, but not entirely as training camp competitions still loom and many players look to build off of the first week or make a better impression in Week 2.
For the Philadelphia Eagles, there are (at least) three obvious players who need a strong performance this week against the New England Patriots if they want a chance at making the 53-man roster, or even sticking around Philly.
Let's take a look.
WR Parris Campbell
Heading into training camp, veteran wide receiver Parris Campbell was the projected favorite to win the No. 3 wideout job, but that may no longer be the case.
Rookie wide receiver Johnny Wilson has been putting on a solid training camp performance and only made his case for a roster spot even stronger in the Eagles' preseason win over the Ravens. Sure, he reeled in just one catch for seven yards, but he showed off his blocking abilities and speed as well. His massive 6-foot-6 and 231-pound build is a cool benefit too since he's the largest wideout currently playing in the league.
As for Campbell, he didn't get to prove himself against Baltimore since he has been dealing with a groin injury, so a return for him this week is crucial. But we might not see that happening since the Eagles play on Thursday.
If Campbell can't get healthy and Wilson puts on yet another great debut, then the Eagles might have their answer at the WR3 position between him and Britain Covey.
WR Ainias Smith
Speaking of wide receivers, we need to talk about Ainias Smith.
Smith was the oddball out on Friday and the only rookie who stood out… in the worst way.
Not only did Smith look slow, but he looked like he was trying way too hard to make a big play on punt returns, which didn't work out in his favor as he got eaten alive. He also fumbled the ball on a return heading into the fourth quarter, luckily it went out of bounds.
There could be a chance that he's still battling through his stress fracture injury, but there's still no excuse.
At this point, the Eagles might not want to use a practice squad spot for him unless he redeems himself against the Patriots.
RG Tyler Steen
The Eagles appear to be high on Mekhi Becton taking over the starting right guard job, but that doesn't mean things could flip in the next few weeks.
Becton kicked off spring practice working as a swing tackle behind Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata before the Eagles moved him to guard.
He played just one drive against Baltimore before Steen replaced him. It doesn't help that Steen is dealing with an ankle injury, but it isn't considered anything too serious and shouldn't keep him out of the lineup on Thursday.
The Eagles are definitely going to want to see more from his this week.
Eagles veteran Avonte Maddox ‘all for’ rookie taking his starting job
May the best guy win.
