The NFL recently approved a roster reduction rule allowing teams to trim to 85 players after the first preseason game.
Teams will trim down to 80 players after the second preseason contest, with the final contest to 53 coming the Tuesday after the final preseason action of the summer.
With the first cutdown coming in the next few days, Friday night’s preseason opener will significantly impact at least five players, and the team could make more moves as players return from injury.
There are about 28-35 roster locks and more than 40 players battling for 18 spots, the opener against the Jets will prove pivotal for a good portion of the roster.
Here are the players on the roster bubble who must impress during the preseason opener.
QB Carson Strong
The reps have been sparse for Carson Strong through two weeks of training camp, but Friday should allow the former Nevada quarterback to play at least one-half of football.
Jalen Hurts will likely play a series or two, allowing Gardner Minshew to play the bulk of the first and second quarter. With Reid Sinnett expected to get his share of snaps, Strong needs to take advantage of the added reps.
RB Kennedy Brooks
The Eagles signed DeAndre Torrey to the roster on Wednesday, adding depth after the injuries to Boston Scott and Kenneth Gainwell.
With Miles Sanders only expected to play a few series, Kennedy Brooks will have ample opportunity to show Nick Sirianni that he has NFL-caliber speed.
A strong showing for Brooks would ensure a practice squad signing at worst.
WR Keric Wheatfall
The former Fresno State wide receiver is low on the depth chart and can use a strong performance against the Jets to avoid being one of the initial cuts.
Wheatfall is competing with Devon Allen, Lance Lenoir, and Deon Cain for one of the final spots at receiver, and a good showing could ensure a practice squad signing.
J.J. Arcega-Whiteside
J.J. Arcega-Whiteside looked dominant the last time Philadelphia faced the New York Jets, and he’ll need that type of outing to remain on the roster.
Now a tight end, Arcega-Whiteside is a valued pass blocker, and he’ll need to show that he can win matchups against safeties and linebackers.
OL Josh Sills
A converted guard, Sills is battling for a spot at the deepest position on the roster, and he’s simply looking to for an efficient outing that warrants a practice squad signing.
DT Kobe Smith
The Eagles will keep each defensive end on the roster, and the defensive tackle is amongst the deepest on the roster.
Smith will battle Marvin Wilson and Rennell Wren for the chance to make the next round of cuts.
LB JaCoby Stevens
The former LSU safety converted to linebacker in 2021, and he worked to see action in a less talented group last season.
Philadelphia is loaded at the position in 2022, and Stevens needs to separate himself from Ali Fayad and Christian Elliss during the opener.
CB Josh Blackwell
While Josh Jobe has made an early impression on defense, Josh Blackwell must show that he can compete with Mac McCain and Jimmy Moreland.
S Reed Blankenship
Philadelphia is light at the safety position from a talent standpoint, and a strong showing from Blankenship could push him towards the 53-man roster.
