The Philadelphia Eagles face the Cincinnati Bengals in their last preseason matchup, spotlighting ten players fighting for a spot on the 53‑man roster. These athletes have one final chance to impress before the regular season begins.

  • WR Makai Lemon gets his first game action.
  • DL Uar Bernard and EDGE Joshua Weru have a final opportunity.
  • Kicker Jake Elliott hopes for field‑goal attempts.

The Philadelphia Eagles will play their third and final preseason game Friday night at 8:00 PM EST against the Cincinnati Bengals. This contest serves as the last audition for fringe players hoping to secure a roster spot for the regular season.

WR Makai Lemon missed the first two preseason games while rehabbing a hamstring injury. As the team’s projected WR3 and a 2026 first‑round pick, Lemon is expected to see limited snaps to get real‑game reps before the season opens.

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On the defensive line, Uar Bernard and EDGE Joshua Weru impressed in the Patriots matchup, with Weru showcasing an athletic Eurostep and Bernard delivering solid run stops. Both are vying for a spot on the initial 53‑man roster after proving their upside during camp.

EDGE Keyshawn James‑Newby, a seventh‑round rookie, missed most practices and both preseason games due to an ankle injury but returned fully on Wednesday. A strong performance could earn him a buzzer‑beater roster spot and special‑teams duties.

Veterans WR Elijah Moore and CB Jonathan Jones also find themselves on the bubble. Moore competes with five receivers ahead of him, while Jones, returning from a shoulder injury, hopes to showcase enough to stay on the 53.

Undrafted defensive backs Kapena Gushiken and Maximus Pulley have shown flashes in camp. Coach Vic Fangio noted, "They’re still alive," emphasizing how crucial this game is for their futures.

Special teams feature Kicker Jake Elliott, who has made four PATs this preseason but has yet to attempt a field goal, and undrafted long snapper Rocco Underwood, who hopes to earn his place with a solid snap in this final showcase.

Historical Background

The Eagles have long used preseason games as a proving ground for emerging talent. Legends like Carl LeMans and Lindsay Fox began their careers in these early‑season contests, underscoring the importance of this final exhibition.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the final roster cuts will shape the Eagles' depth chart, influencing their competitiveness in the 2026 NFL season.

"If players like Lemon and Weru stay consistent, they can add a new dimension to the Eagles' offensive and defensive units," says veteran NFL analyst.
Did You Know?: The Eagles signed five undrafted rookies in the 2020 preseason, all of whom later became key contributors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which players are guaranteed a spot on the final roster?
A: No guarantees yet; the game and final practice sessions will determine the outcomes.

Q2: What is the Eagles' preseason record so far?
A: The Eagles are 2‑1, making the final roster decisions especially critical.