PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Eagles open the 2026 NFL regular season against the Washington Commanders on Sept. 13 at Lincoln Financial Field. But first, they play one more preseason game Friday versus the Cincinnati Bengals and then must cut their roster to 53 players by 6 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Who will make the team? Which positions have tough decisions on deck? And where might the lineup be deepest and thinnest this season?
There's intrigue at wide receiver with a number of players vying for the final spot or two. Quarterback is interesting as well, given the No. 2 role is still seemingly up for grabs. Whoever loses out could be on the move.
Here is our projection for the 53-man roster for the Eagles.
Quarterbacks (3)
Jalen Hurts, Andy Dalton, Cole Payton
Dalton and Tanner McKee have been competing for the backup role all offseason, and there's been no clear separation between the two. General manager Howie Roseman has said he'd be comfortable carrying four QBs on the roster, but it would be no surprise if either Dalton or McKee got dealt before the start of the season.
Running backs (3)
Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, Will Shipley
Dameon Pierce looked good early in camp, but a hamstring injury slowed his momentum. If they want a fullback on the roster, it could open the door for Carson Steele.
Wide receivers (6)
DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon, Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown, Darius Cooper, Elijah Moore
This becomes especially tough if the Eagles decide to carry five receivers, given both Cooper and Moore have developed a good connection with Hurts. The 6-foot-6 Johnny Wilson and return specialist Britain Covey both bring unique skill sets to the table.
Tight ends (4)
Dallas Goedert, Eli Stowers, Johnny Mundt, Grant Calcaterra
Stowers, the team's 2026 second-round pick, still needs some seasoning -- particularly as a blocker. With Mundt as the only true blocking tight end on the roster, this feels like a position Roseman could look to tweak for a team that wants to be run-heavy.
Offensive linemen (10)
Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Tyler Steen, Cam Jurgens, Markel Bell, Fred Johnson, Willie Lampkin, Micah Morris, Drew Kendall
Bell, a potential replacement at right tackle when 36-year-old Lane Johnson calls it a career, has been the best Eagles rookie this offseason by a good margin. The undersized Lampkin (5-foot-11, 290 pounds) has acquitted himself well at both center and guard during the preseason and has earned a spot.
Defensive linemen (6)
Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Ty Robinson, Uar Bernard, Byron Young
Robinson had a quiet rookie season but has flashed in recent weeks. Bernard, a member of the International Player Pathway program from Nigeria, hasn't played football at any level. He has a ton of ability, and the coaching staff is invested in him.
Linebackers (9)
Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Jonathan Greenard, Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith Jr., AJ Epenesa, Smael Mondon Jr., Arnold Ebiketie
Greenard has been sidelined with a pec injury for weeks. Smith and Hunt will be leaned on should it take some time for Greenard to get back up to speed.
Cornerbacks (6)
Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Riq Woolen, Jonathan Jones, Mac McWilliams, Kelee Ringo
The combo of Mitchell, DeJean and Woolen has the potential to be the league's best. McWilliams, who was selected in the fifth round of the 2025 draft, needs more consistency to his game but has had some strong moments.
Safeties (3)
Andrew Mukuba, Marcus Epps, Michael Carter II
DeJean will move from nickel to safety in base packages. That allows Philadelphia to go a little light at this position if need be.
Special teams (3)
Jake Elliott (K), Braden Mann (P), Rocco Underwood (LS)
Elliott is coming off a down season by his standards and needs to bounce back. Mann, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the top punters in the game.
