The second preseason game was quite eventful for the Philadelphia Eagles compared to their game last week in Baltimore. The team showed some flashes of production on both sides of the football and the backups played rather well despite a 24-21 loss to the New England Patriots on Saturday.
Plenty of players saw their stock rise while a few had theirs drop. Here’s a look at those who shined and those who may be on the outside looking in heading into the final week of the preseason schedule.
There are some concerns about the offensive line with the amount of injuries the starting five had to deal with, including Landon Dickerson, Lane Johnson and Cam Jurgens. The hope is that the starting unit stays healthy and can bounce back after a tough 2025. However, the second-team group impressed on Saturday and have shown that they may in fact be ready to step in when called upon.
Willie Lampkin was a bulldog, mauling his opponents by pushing them up the field seemingly every play. Whether he plays center or guard, he is a force to be reckoned with, especially in the run game. With his second impressive performance, the 5-foot-11, 290-pound lineman has a spot secured on the roster.
Markel Bell continues to prove that he is more than capable of playing at this level. The massive 6-foot-9, 346-pound tackle was throwing defenders around on the field and may very well be Lane Johnson’s replacement next season.
Saturday’s game also gave fans a chance to get a good look at Jake Majors. The center out of Texas signed with the Eagles last September after spending last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent. The 24-year-old had a solid game in pass protection while also helping out in the run game, which had good success overall against the Patriots.
Steele was more than likely on the outside looking in to make the roster, competing with Cam Latu at the fullback position. Saturday night might have flipped that battle thanks to Steele’s monster game.
Signed as a free agent in the offseason, the former Kansas City Chief showcased his pass-catching skills out of the backfield along with his speed and athleticism. Steele had 18 total touches (12 carries, six catches) for 117 total yards (33 rushing, 84 receiving), including this impressive touchdown where he leaped over a defender. He also did well in pass protection, picking up blitzers.
No longer on "life support", as defensive coordinator Vic Fangio explained Robinson’s status with the team, the defensive tackle was a force on the interior defensive line and earned a spot on the roster after recording a pair of sacks and three tackles for a loss. He also added four pressures and three quarterback hits. He showed that he could earn some meaningful snaps during the regular season.
McKee has been behind veteran Andy Dalton in the backup quarterback battle all summer. After not helping his case last week in Baltimore, McKee outplayed Dalton by a mile Saturday night. The quarterback went 16-for-22 for 173 yards and two touchdowns, good for a 125.8 rating. He also delivered on third downs, completing five of six passes in the situation, including a touchdown pass. McKee should be the frontrunner to back up Jalen Hurts.
Weru and Uar Bernard have both been amazing stories this summer. Two African-born prospects who never played organized football until this year are making plays in the preseason. Weru made such an incredible play Saturday that it may be hard for the Eagles to expose him to waivers.
Weru completely fooled Patriots rookie tackle Dametrious Crownover with a nifty move to record a sack. Weru has a nice blend of athleticism and speed that could force the front office to keep him around as a solid developmental player.
The veteran had a rough night after getting the second "start" of the preseason. He completed just three passes on 10 attempts for 44 yards and only connected with Darius Cooper. He overthrew an open Eli Stowers and should have had at least one interception on his ledger. Perhaps the Eagles were hoping the journeyman would flash this preseason in hopes of trading him to a quarterback-needy team, but it’s hard to imagine there is much interest at all in Dalton after these two preseason games.
Sticking with the quarterbacks, it was rather interesting that Payton entered with less than a minute remaining in the game. Perhaps the Eagles truly didn't know who QB2 would be and wanted to give both Dalton and McKee as much runway as possible. However, when Payton did come in, it didn't go well as he was strip-sacked to put a bow on the loss.
A long shot to make the roster, Thomas got burned for a 69-yard touchdown pass while defending receiver Kyle Williams. Unfortunately for Thomas, when you're in a position that he is in, even one or two plays will be magnified and can determine if a roster spot is lost or won.
MORE: Nick Sirianni’s adaptability is key to the Eagles’ success in 2026
