The Philadelphia Eagles will travel to Jacksonville this week, to face the Jaguars in a game that will go a long way towards shaping the depth of their roster. The Eagles know who the bulk of their starters will be, but Thursday and then next week against the Ravens will be huge for veterans and not starters looking to provide depth to a loaded roster.
With the Eagles set to depart for Jacksonville on Wednesday, here are 10 players who need big games against the Jags.
Zach Brown
The Eagles linebacker has had a quiet training camp by all accounts and now would be a perfect time for the tackling machine to resemble the guy who was highly graded by Pro Football Talk towards the end of last season.
Wendell Smallwood
It could be now or never for Smallwood. The Eagles acquired Jordan Howard from the Bears and drafted Miles Sanders in the second round, so they have more than enough depth at the position now. Add in Corey Clement and Darren Sproles to the mix and you have a logjam. Smallwood like Pumphrey is fighting longs odds for the fifth running backs spot.
Clayton Thorson
After his trainwreck of a preseason debut, Thorson can only go up from here, and he needs a good half or two of football to show Eagles brass that he was worthy of a fifth-round selection.
Marken Michel
Sony’s brother was above the radar during minicamp and brought his big-play approach with him to the first preseason game. Michel had the play of the night, scorching former USC Trojans star corner Adoree Jackson on an electric 75-yard touchdown pass from Nate Sudfeld. Michel is fighting Mack Hollins for that sixth spot.
Josh Adams
Adams led the Eagles in rushing last season, but his situation is similar to Smallwood’s and with Jordan Howard, Miles Sanders, Darren Sproles and Corey Clement in the fold, Adams or someone else could be cut.
Mack Hollins
A talented wideout who can’t seem to stay healthy, Hollins has to make his presence known this week or risk falling further down the depth chart. With JJ Arcega-Whiteside ascending and Marken Michel heating up, Hollins could be the odd man out.
Andrew Sendejo
The underrated safety has been consistent if anything the entire training camp. He received first-team free safety reps throughout the spring and also lined up with the starters during the first two weeks of training camp.
Donnel Pumphrey
Currently, behind Josh Adams, Wendell Smallwood and Boston Scott Pumphrey’s days are limited in Philadelphia unless he can begin to show some things starting on Thursday night.
Johnathan Cyprien
Cyprien was a late addition to training camp, but his chances of making the roster improved with Blake Countess getting waived. A Big game against the Jags could cement his place on the roster.
Jordan Mailata
Mailata has struggled at times during training camp, but he’s developing as a right tackle. He’s a long term project but could see his stock rise if Big V is traded in the coming weeks. Mailata will need a good showing on Thursday to reassure the staff of his continued growth.
