Eagles project 53-man roster ahead of final cuts
Analyst Dave Zangaro outlines his projected 53-player roster for the Philadelphia Eagles as the team trims its preseason squad from 90 to 53 players.
Philadelphia – The Eagles will reduce their preseason roster of 90 players to the league-required 53 by the Sunday 6 p.m. deadline, according to analyst Dave Zangaro’s latest projection. Zangaro retains starter quarterback Jalen Hurts, naming Tanner McKee as the backup and listing veteran Andy Dalton among those to be released. He expects running backs Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley to make the cut, while cutting Carson Steele, Dameon Pierce and Jordan Mims.
At wide receiver, Zangaro projects DeVonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks, Makai Lemon, Hollywood Brown and Darius Cooper to stay, with Elijah Moore and several others listed as out. Tight ends Dallas Goedert, Johnny Mundt and Cameron Latu are kept, and rookie Eli Stowers is placed on injured reserve; Grant Calcaterra, E.J. Jenkins and Stone Smartt are projected to be released.
The offensive line projection includes Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen, Lane Johnson, Markel Bell, Fred Johnson, Drew Kendall, Willie Lampkin and Micah Morris, with eight players named as cuts. Defensive tackle selections feature Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Byron Young, Ty Robinson and Uar Bernard, while Gabe Hall, Zion Wilson and David Blay are slated to leave.
Edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith, Arnold Ebiketie, A.J. Epenesa and Joshua Weru are projected to remain, with Keyshawn James-Newby, Jose Ramirez and Tarron Jackson out. Linebackers Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Smael Mondon and Chance Campbell are kept; Deontae Lawson and Brandon George are cut.
Cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Riq Woolen, Jonathan Jones, Kelee Ringo and Mac McWilliams are projected to make the roster, while Jakorian Bennett, Shaun Wade, Ambry Thomas and Isaiah Bolden are listed as out. Safety slots are filled by Drew Mukuba, Marcus Epps and Michael Carter II, with several others, including Cole Wisniewski, projected to be released.
Special teams retain kicker Jake Elliott, punter Braden Mann and long snapper Rocco Underwood, though Underwood could be replaced if a better option emerges. > "If the Eagles had to play a game or two without Jalen Hurts, I still think McKee would give them a better shot," Zangaro said, reflecting his view on the quarterback competition.