The Philadelphia Eagles are down to their final preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals in the hopes of getting a clearer picture of who to allow on the 53-man roster.
While it's been a losing preseason, there have been plenty of nice moments. The defense is playing solid within the front seven, and Philly's offense is starting to find a rhythm under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion.
Four players on the roster are backups with nothing else to prove and shouldn't play against the Bengals. Here are the four who should rest in the final game of the preseason.
Which Eagles backups don't need to play in the preseason anymore?
Will Shipley, RB
Entering training camp, there were concerns about Shipley after late-season return issues on special teams last year and not being utilized in the offense anymore. That seemed to change in the last week of joint practices and the preseason game against the New England Patriots. He rushed 11 times for 56 yards and one touchdown in the 24-21 loss to the Patriots.
Shipley has more than earned the RB3 job and should rest for the final preseason game. Depth at the running back position is important, especially since the Eagles have had three running backs hurt during camp. Let Carson Steele get the carries and rest Shipley for the regular season.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB
There's literally nothing else Trotter has to prove anymore after his display in the Patriots game. He finished with five tackles, one quarterback hit, one tackle for loss, and one sack. His sack of Patriots quarterback Tommy DeVito, going untouched and for a big loss, was one of the game's highlights.
It's clear that the 2026 season is going to be a breakout season for Trotter, which should feature him in the rotation with Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell. It's better to protect him before he takes on a bigger role in this defense in the regular season.
Ty Robinson, DT
Four quarterback hits, four tackles for loss, and three sacks in two preseason games should pretty much seal up a roster spot for Robinson. He's been a dominant force in this defense throughout the preseason and training camp, and he's starting to get reps with the starters.
He's got nothing more to prove, as he found life in this defense that his defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, saw in him. Robinson is also poised for a breakout 2026 season.
Darius Cooper, WR
It remains to be seen if Cooper will actually start for the Eagles, but he doesn't need to show anything else to make the roster. He had a quiet first preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, but bounced back with three receptions for 84 yards against the Patriots.
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Makai Lemon could still end up being WR3 after returning from injury, but Cooper is going to have some role in his offense in 2026. The Eagles should play the other receivers and let Cooper rest with the starters, even if he won't be one.
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