The first week of training camp provided an early look at how the Philadelphia Eagles’ roster competitions are developing. Six practices were not enough to settle every position, but the distribution of first-, second-, and third-team repetitions began to establish a pecking order.
Projecting the practice squad is more complicated than predicting the initial 53-man roster. Players must clear waivers, veterans can explore other opportunities, and Philadelphia will almost certainly consider players released by other teams. The Eagles could also receive an additional international exemption for Uar Bernard, but this projection focuses on the standard 16 spots.
Here is our first projected practice squad following Week 1 of Eagles training camp.
RB Carson Steele
Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby are established at the top of the running back depth chart, while Will Shipley and Dameon Pierce are competing for another roster spot. That leaves Steele facing a difficult numbers game.
Steele’s physical running style and special-teams experience make him a logical practice-squad candidate. He could provide emergency backfield depth while remaining available for elevations when Philadelphia needs additional help on coverage units.
WR Britain Covey
Covey’s experience as a punt returner gives him a defined role, but Philadelphia’s increasingly crowded receiver room could push him off the initial roster. DeVonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks, Makai Lemon and Hollywood Brown are positioned for jobs, while Darius Cooper and Elijah Moore had impressive starts to camp.
As a veteran, Covey would not be subject to waivers. The Eagles could place him on the practice squad and elevate him when they want a designated punt returner.
WR Quez Watkins
Watkins remains one of the fastest players on Philadelphia’s roster and has extensive experience in the offense. His familiarity with Jalen Hurts and ability to stretch the field give him value, but the Eagles have younger receivers making stronger cases for regular offensive roles.
A practice-squad position would allow Philadelphia to retain Watkins as experienced depth. He could be elevated if injuries affect the receiver room or the offense needs additional speed.
TE E.J. Jenkins
Jenkins possesses an intriguing combination of size and receiving ability after transitioning from wide receiver to tight end. He has spent time in Philadelphia’s developmental program and can present matchup problems when working against linebackers.
Dallas Goedert, Johnny Mundt and rookie Eli Stowers have advantages in the competition for roster spots. Cameron Latu’s special-teams ability could also earn him a job, leaving Jenkins as a strong candidate to continue his development on the practice squad.
OT Hollin Pierce
Pierce’s 6-foot-8, 341-pound frame makes him one of the most physically imposing players in camp. His size and length provide a strong developmental foundation, but he needs additional work on his technique and consistency in pass protection.
Philadelphia has routinely invested in young offensive linemen who require patience. Pierce can work at tackle and guard, giving the Eagles a valuable scout-team blocker with the potential to become a reserve option.
OT John Ojukwu
Ojukwu offers experience at both offensive tackle positions and has spent enough time in Philadelphia’s system to provide emergency depth. He faces significant competition from Markel Bell, Fred Johnson, Cameron Williams, Myles Hinton and Pierce.
The Eagles may not have room for Ojukwu on the initial roster, but retaining an experienced tackle would protect them against injuries. Offensive tackles are difficult to find after the regular season begins.
C/G Jake Majors
Majors received valuable repetitions at center and guard during the first week of camp. His versatility is important because reserve offensive linemen often must cover multiple positions on game day.
Cam Jurgens is entrenched at center, while Drew Kendall and Willie Lampkin are competing for prominent reserve roles. Majors could benefit from a developmental season focused on building strength and improving his ability to handle powerful interior defenders.
DT Gabe Hall
Hall has already spent two seasons moving between Philadelphia’s active roster and practice squad. His familiarity with Vic Fangio’s defense and ability to play multiple interior alignments make him a sensible candidate to return.
Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo and Byron Young are positioned to lead the defensive tackle rotation. Hall could provide emergency depth while competing with Ty Robinson and other young linemen for future opportunities.
DT Zion Wilson
Wilson entered camp as an undrafted rookie facing a crowded defensive tackle competition. At 6-foot-3 and 316 pounds, he offers the size required to develop into an early-down interior defender.
The Eagles would not need Wilson to contribute immediately. A practice-squad position would give him time to improve his technique, conditioning and ability to handle NFL blocking combinations.
OLB Joshua Weru
Weru is one of Philadelphia’s most fascinating developmental prospects. The former rugby player possesses impressive speed and explosiveness but entered camp without traditional organized football experience.
Jonathan Greenard, Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith Jr., A.J. Epenesa and Arnold Ebiketie provide established edge depth. Weru needs time rather than an immediate defensive role, making the practice squad the most sensible path for his development.
LB Deontae Lawson
Lawson joined a deep linebacker room containing Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Smael Mondon Jr. and Chance Campbell. The rookie’s instincts and experience at Alabama give Philadelphia another promising developmental option.
Lawson must demonstrate value on special teams to move up the depth chart. The practice squad would allow him to learn the defense while preparing for a larger role in 2027.
CB Kapena Gushiken
Gushiken’s competitiveness and versatility helped him generate early attention during camp. The undrafted rookie faces an uphill battle in a secondary led by Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean and Riq Woolen.
Philadelphia also has several experienced reserve cornerbacks competing for limited positions. Gushiken’s youth and potential special-teams value make him a logical candidate to retain and develop.
CB Shaun Wade
Wade gives this projected group an experienced defensive back capable of working in multiple coverage roles. His professional journey has included stops in the NFL and United Football League, giving him more experience than most practice-squad candidates.
The Eagles may prioritize younger cornerbacks on the active roster, but keeping Wade would provide an immediate replacement if injuries affect the secondary. Veteran practice-squad players can be especially valuable during the regular season.
S Maximus Pulley
Pulley made several plays during the first week of camp and entered the competition for Philadelphia’s fourth or fifth safety position. His athleticism and willingness to play special teams give him a chance to remain in the organization.
Andrew Mukuba, Marcus Epps and Michael Carter II are ahead of him on the depth chart. Pulley could use the practice squad to improve his coverage recognition and consistency in tackling.
S Andre’ Sam
Sam has received significant practice repetitions and provides experience in Philadelphia’s defensive system. He remains in contention for an active-roster position but faces competition from Pulley, J.T. Gray and seventh-round pick Cole Wisniewski.
If Sam falls short of the 53-man roster, the Eagles should attempt to retain him. His familiarity and special-teams experience would make him a reliable candidate for elevation.
LS Rocco Underwood
Underwood entered camp as Philadelphia’s only traditional long snapper, but his early practices included some inconsistent snaps. The Eagles could evaluate other available specialists before committing to him for the season.
Philadelphia could also use a procedural move by leaving Underwood off the initial roster and signing him to the practice squad. That would preserve short-term roster flexibility while keeping him available for game-day elevations.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Predicting a 16-player practice squad for Eagles after preseason opener