The Philadelphia Eagles are just hours away from kicking off their preseason with a home game against the Tennessee Titans at Lincoln Financial Field. Carson Wentz is out and with several starters expected to rest, there are several other Eagles who could use a big preseason opener, while catapulting it towards a roster spot or even more.
With the Eagles and Titans set for battle, here are five defensive players with the most to gain on Thursday night.
Nate Sudfeld
Sudfeld is stepping into the No. 2 quarterback role and with Carson Wentz’s injury history, it’ll imperative for the signal-caller to show that the coaching staff’s confidence in him is warranted. Sudfeld will get his first chance on Thursday night when he gets the start against the Titans.
Shelton Gibson
The former West Virginia wideout has always intrigued the coaching staff with his blazing speed but this could be his final opportunity to justify his roster spot.
JJ Arcega-Whiteside
Arcega-Whiteside has had a quiet training camp adjusting to being a rookie after flashing his special skills during OTAs and minicamp. Arcega-Whiteside isn’t a starter, but the Eagles want him to establish a presence in the red zone and with Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson both out, he’ll have the opportunity.
Clayton Thorson
With Carson Wentz out vs. the Titans, Thorson will get an extended look against the Titans and he’ll need to look good after struggling throughout the first two weeks of training camp. Thorson should get a quarter at least and he’ll likely need to play well to hold off Cody Kessler.
Josh Perkins
With Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert on the roster, Perkins is the quintessential role player. Perkins has looked good when given playing time, and with the Birds only likely to carry three tight ends, Thursday night will go a long way towards determining his place on the roster.
