We’ve learned a lot from Philadelphia Eagles training camp so far. But questions still remain after 10 practices, including who will start at key spots and who will make the 53-man roster. That makes Thursday’s preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals a proving ground.
When the Eagles and Bengals will kick off at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Lincoln Financial Field, most of the Super Bowl champions’ big names are not expected to suit up. But Joe Burrow and the majority of the Bengals’ starters are expected to play several series against the Eagles.
That should heighten the level of competition for under-the-radar Eagles looking to make a good impression. But who has the most to gain from Thursday’s preseason game?
Kenyon Green
Houston Texans guard Kenyon Green (76) reacts after defeating the New England Patriots 41-21 in an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)AP
OG Kenyon Green: Green has not impressed in his first (and maybe last) training camp with the Eagles. The former 2022 first-round pick, who was acquired in the Chauncey Gardner-Johnson trade with the Houston Texans, has struggled to find his footing working with the reserves. Tyler Steen has unofficially locked up the starting job at right guard, a position Green could have made interesting. Now, he has to put his best foot forward to make the roster.
NFL Week 14: New York Giants vs. Green Bay Packers
New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) reacts after he sacked Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) during the fourth quarter, Monday, Dec. 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 24-22.Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
EDGE Azeez Ojulari: The Eagles signed Ojulari, the Giants’ 2021 second-round pick, with hopes he would provide competition off the edge after losing Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham this offseason. But Ojulari hasn’t done much in camp. Jalyx Hunt looks to have secured the starting role opposite Nolan Smith while Josh Uche is the front runner to be the team’s third edge rusher. If Ojulari doesn’t make an impact soon, there’s always the possibility of the Eagles trading for another edge rusher to replace him.
Eagles Camp Football
Philadelphia Eagles' Elijah Cooks comes out to practice while greeted by members of the US Military during practice at NFL football training camp,Saturday, July 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)AP
WR Elijah Cooks: Let’s switch from a couple negatives to a positive. Cooks has been a bright spot this summer. The 2023 undrafted free agent out of San Jose State spent last year on the practice squad and has been the Eagles’ best backup receiver so far in camp. But it’s still a numbers game with A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Jahan Dotson locked in and others — Johnny Wilson, Ainias Smith, Elijah Cooper and Terrace Marshall Jr. — pushing for roster spots. It’s time for Cooks to build off his momentum and become indispensable.
Eagles Camp Football
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Adoree' Jackson caches a pass during an NFL football training camp, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)AP
CB Adoree’ Jackson: We don’t know how much the projected or possible starters will play on Thursday, if at all. But if Jackson is out there, he would be wise to make the most of it. The Eagles just traded for Las Vegas Raiders corner Jakorian Bennett to bolster the competition between Jackson and Kelee Ringo on the outside. Couple that with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio saying it wasn’t his decision to sign Jackson as a free agent, and the 29-year-old has to shine when he gets the chance.
NFL Week 18: New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles safety Sydney Brown (21) celebrates his interception during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Philadelphia. The Eagles won, 20-13.Chris Szagola | Associated Press
S Sydney Brown: Thursday is a golden opportunity for Brown. Second-round rookie Andrew Mukuba, Brown’s top competition for the free safety starting job, is not expected to play after dealing with an injury earlier in camp. But Mukuba was back in practice on Tuesday, and the Eagles will have two joint practices with the Cleveland Browns next week, which could be a chance for the former Texas star to grow in standing. If Brown has a positive showing against Burrow and Co., it’ll make things even tighter at one of the team’s biggest position battles.
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