Eagles roster bubble: 5 players who helped their case vs. Patriots

Eagles Roster Bubble: Preseason Performances Shape Final Decisions

With the Philadelphia Eagles' initial 53-man roster due in a week from Sunday, Saturday's preseason game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium carried significant weight for players fighting for spots. The Eagles fell 24-21, but several individuals used the opportunity to strengthen their cases.

Quarterback Battle: McKee Outshines Dalton

Tanner McKee delivered a decisive performance, completing 16 of 22 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns, good for a passer rating of 125.8. He was particularly effective on third down, going 5-of-6 for 64 yards with a touchdown and a 150.7 rating. Meanwhile, Andy Dalton struggled, completing just three of ten passes. Sports Illustrated reported that McKee's performance "earned the job," suggesting the QB2 competition may be settled.

Will Shipley Solidifies RB3 Role

Running back Will Shipley, who had 56 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, looked poised and confident. According to Sports Illustrated, Shipley recorded 51 yards in the first quarter and added a touchdown run in the second. With Dameon Pierce sidelined due to injury, Shipley took full advantage of the opportunity. He is expected to be the RB3 behind Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby, as noted by Sports Illustrated.

Offensive Line: Lampkin and Kendall Earn Praise from Kelce

Willie Lampkin, who started at center, created massive holes in the A-gap and excelled at guard in the preseason opener. His performance drew attention from former Eagles center Jason Kelce, who posted on X: "This is Drew Kendall and Willie Lampkin, 2 undersized centers. One is playing guard to show his versatility, and the other is probably the only offensive lineman under 6 feet to play in the NFL in this millennium. They are absolutely smashing a double-team block 8 yards downfield!! Size is important, but nothing beats leverage!"

Lampkin, listed at 5'11" and under 300 pounds, and Kendall, at 6'4" and 308 pounds, combined to push back Patriots defensive lineman Isaiah Iton on Shipley's touchdown run. Markel Bell and Jake Majors also contributed to the blocking on that play, according to Essentially Sports.

Kelce, who mentored Lampkin briefly before the Ravens preseason game, has a personal history as an undersized center. Multiple reports suggest both Kendall and Lampkin are penciled into the Eagles' projected 10-man offensive line, which includes Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen, Lane Johnson, Markel Bell, Fred Johnson, and Micah Morris. Lampkin, who was waived by the Rams as a rookie and later spent time on injured reserve, has drawn praise from PhillyVoice's Jimmy Kempski, who called both players promising. A Patriots insider reportedly marveled at Lampkin's technique in practice, noting how he was "winning" reps.

Ty Robinson Responds to Fangio's Challenge

Defensive tackle Ty Robinson, the 2025 fourth-round pick, had a breakout first half with four pressures, two sacks, and three quarterback hits. Earlier in the week, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said Robinson's young career was on "life support" due to lack of production. Robinson's response was emphatic, and Fangio later acknowledged he has "come alive." Robinson now has three sacks in six quarters of preseason action, according to multiple reports.

Shaun Wade Makes a Push at Cornerback

Cornerback Shaun Wade, who signed with the Eagles in June after a stint in the UFL, recorded 10 tackles and a forced fumble. The Mechanicsburg Patriot News noted that while Wade faces an uphill climb given the depth at cornerback, his performance has made a roster spot possible.

Joshua Weru's Rapid Development

Linebacker Joshua Weru, a Ghanaian rugby player, recorded his first career sack in his second-ever football game. Weru made a move to get past offensive lineman Dametrious Crownover, according to Sports Illustrated. The site speculated that if Weru is waived, another NFL team would likely claim him, and that general manager Howie Roseman is too savvy to leave that to chance.

Smael Mondon's Special Teams Value

Linebacker Smael Mondon generated pressure on a blitz against quarterback Tommy DeVito in the first quarter but failed to finish the play, allowing DeVito to scramble for a first down. While that missed opportunity was a blemish, Mondon's special teams play makes him a likely roster lock, according to Sports Illustrated.

Linebacker Competition Ongoing

Jeremiah Trotter Jr. was pushing for a starting role in the preseason game, according to the Mechanicsburg Patriot News. The Eagles drafted Jihaad Campbell in the first round last year, adding to the competition at linebacker.

As the Eagles finalize their roster, these performances could be decisive. The team must submit its initial 53-man roster by Aug. 30.