One player to watch at each position in the Eagles' preseason opener

The Eagles will open the preseason against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night at M&T Bank Stadium, providing their rookies, young players and roster hopefuls with their first opportunity to perform under NFL game conditions.

Philadelphia has an established starting lineup at most positions, but several competitions remain unsettled behind the starters. The Eagles must identify Jalen Hurts’ primary backup, establish their offensive line depth and determine which young defenders can contribute within Vic Fangio’s rotation.

The game will take on additional importance for players seeking to prove their value on special teams. Here is one Eagle from every position group to watch against Baltimore.

Quarterback: Tanner McKee

McKee served as Philadelphia’s primary backup last season, but the Eagles created a legitimate competition by acquiring veteran Andy Dalton. McKee, familiar with the organization, started the 2025 regular-season finale, completing 21 of 40 passes for 241 yards and one touchdown. He must demonstrate command of Sean Mannion’s offense, make sound decisions and protect the football. A steady performance would strengthen his argument to remain Hurts’ primary backup.

Running back: Carson Steele

Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley appear positioned for roster spots, leaving Steele to demonstrate how he can fit into the offense. The former Kansas City Chief offers experience at running back and fullback, potentially giving Mannion a versatile option for short-yardage and heavy personnel packages. Steele must run with power, handle pass-protection assignments, and contribute on special teams to improve his standing on the roster.

Wide receiver: Darius Cooper

Cooper has been one of Philadelphia’s most consistent training camp performers. After making the roster as an undrafted rookie in 2025, he has produced another collection of difficult catches and earned recognition from Hurts. Cooper is competing for offensive snaps in a crowded room that includes DeVonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks, Makai Lemon, Elijah Moore and Hollywood Brown. Translating his production from the regular season into the preseason would make it difficult for Philadelphia to keep him out of the rotation.

Tight end: Eli Stowers

Stowers entered training camp with significant expectations after Philadelphia selected him in the second round, but he has spent much of the summer working behind the Eagles’ veteran tight ends. The preseason should provide a larger workload and an opportunity to display his athleticism as a receiver. His development as a blocker will be equally important. Stowers must show he can handle the physical and technical responsibilities required to earn an immediate role as the No. 2 behind Dallas Goedert.

Offensive line: Markel Bell

Bell’s massive 6-foot-9, 346-pound frame makes him one of the most noticeable players on Philadelphia’s roster. The third-round pick has worked at both tackle spots and impressed during one-on-one drills before the opener. Baltimore’s young edge rushers should test his footwork, balance and ability to handle speed. Bell can strengthen his case for a swing-tackle role while giving the Eagles another look at a player who could factor into their long-term plans after Lane Johnson retires.

Defensive line: Uar Bernard

No player on Philadelphia’s roster enters the preseason with less game experience than Bernard, who had never played organized football before the Eagles selected him in the seventh round. His athletic profile is exceptional for a 6-foot-4, 306-pound defensive tackle, but Saturday will test his technique, recognition and gap discipline. Philadelphia does not need Bernard to look like a finished product. The Eagles need to see whether his physical traits begin translating when opposing linemen can block him at full speed.

Outside linebacker: Joshua Weru

Weru is one of Philadelphia’s most intriguing undrafted rookies. The former rugby player from Kenya ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash and recorded a 41½-inch vertical at the HBCU Showcase, displaying rare athletic ability for a 6-foot-4, 244-pound defender. His football development remains in its early stages, making every preseason repetition valuable. Weru must show that he can set the edge, pursue the football and become a reliable special-teams contributor.

Inside linebacker: Deontae Lawson

Lawson possesses more high-level experience than the typical undrafted rookie after starting 37 games at Alabama and finishing his college career with 283 tackles. The two-time captain enters a crowded competition behind Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell. Lawson’s instincts and tackling should translate, but coverage ability and special-teams production will influence his roster chances. A composed performance against Baltimore could help him separate from Philadelphia’s other reserve linebackers.

Defensive back: Kapena Gushiken

Gushiken has the athletic traits to become an interesting developmental cornerback after reportedly running a 4.35-second 40-yard dash at Mississippi’s pro day. He has also received work at safety, adding valuable versatility to his roster case. Against Baltimore’s young receivers, Gushiken must show disciplined coverage technique, reliable tackling and awareness in zone assignments. Special-teams performance may ultimately determine whether he earns a place in Philadelphia’s crowded secondary.

Safety: Maximus Pulley

Pulley enters the opener with an opportunity to capitalize on Cole Wisniewski’s hamstring injury. The undrafted rookie produced five interceptions during his final season at Wofford, returning two for touchdowns and earning FCS All-America honors. His ball production is impressive, but Philadelphia must evaluate whether he can communicate assignments, tackle in space and handle NFL speed. Pulley could force the Eagles to take a longer look if his playmaking ability carries into the preseason.

Special teams: Rocco Underwood

Underwood enters the preseason as the favorite to become Philadelphia’s long snapper after the Eagles used multiple players at the position in 2025. The undrafted rookie won the Patrick Mannelly Award as the nation’s top collegiate long snapper in 2024 and handled the role throughout his Florida career. His task against Baltimore is straightforward but critical: deliver accurate snaps and maintain clean timing with kicker Jake Elliott and punter Braden Mann. A quiet evening would represent a successful debut.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: One player to watch at each position in the Eagles' preseason opener