The Philadelphia Eagles enter the 2020 NFL season as playoff contenders and Super Bowl 55 hopefuls.
The Birds will ride the arm of Carson Wentz and a revamped defense that now includes a shutdown cornerback and a dominant interior defensive line.
With the Eagles starters looking solid across the board, it’ll be imperative for a group of reserves to step up this season.
Here are 7 Eagles reserves who’ll be called upon in huge moments and need to step up during the 2020 NFL season.
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1. Malik Jackson
Jackson will be super motivated after missing the entire season due to a foot injury suffered in the 2019 season opener against the Washington Redskins.
Jackson is looking at starting the season as a reserve after the Eagles inked Javon Hargrave to a monster deal.
Howie Roseman signed Jackson to a three-year deal in hopes of pairing the talented defensive tackle with Fletcher Cox.
2. Sidney Jones
Jones is preparing for a breakout season after GM Howie Roseman gave him a vote of confidence this offseason. The former Washington Huskie star has made plays in the clutch but he needs to do it on a more consistent basis.
The addition of Darius Slay should do wonders for his confidence.
Jones has suffered through injuries and being benched, while it seems that he’s lacked confidence at times as well. Recently, Eagles GM Howie Roseman, made it clear that he believes in the young cornerback, but it’s also “time for him to prove it” on the field.
There’s been a buzz surrounding Jones after it was learned that he’s currently in Texas working with noted defensive backs trainer Ronnie Braxton.
3. Matt Pryor
Brandon Brooks isn’t guaranteed to be ready for training camp or the season opener after suffering a brutal shoulder injury late in the Eagles 2019 season.
Pryor offers versatility because of his ability to play guard or center and will likely be called upon often for the Eagles during the 2020 NFL season.
4. JJ Arcega-Whiteside
The Eagles 2019 second-round pick had a rookie season to forget after suffering through various injuries and finishing the season with less than 12 total catches.
With Alshon Jeffery injured and likely to miss the first six-week of the season, Arcega-Whiteside will be called upon to provide size and red zone capabilities for an Eagles team that will be faster but lacking size on the outside.
5. Boston Scott
The Darren Sproles mini-me came on at the right time for the Eagles team as his tough running between the tackles helped take the pressure off of Miles Sanders and it spearheaded the Eagles playoff run.
Scott adds value to the roster and was one of 12 running backs to compile 350 yards from scrimmage in the final four weeks of the 2019 regular season.
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6. Nate Sudfeld
Jalen Hurts isn’t ready to take snaps in an NFL game and that means Sudfeld has to be ready after missing most of last season with a wrist injury and then losing the role to Josh McCown.
Sudfeld wants to be a starter in the NFL and it’ll start with showing the league that he has the potential to replace Wentz if needed.
7. Cre’Von LeBlanc
LeBlanc is highly thought of around the league and by his peers on the Eagles roster, but management continues to add players at his position. The Eagles added Nickell Robey-Coleman, Will Parks can play the slot as well as Avonte Maddox and K’Von Wallace.
After missing most of last season with a foot injury, LeBlanc will need to make his presence felt early and often or risk being a roster casualty.
