The Philadelphia Eagles were not...particularly great in their 24-7 preseason opening loss to the Baltimore Ravens, to put it nicely.
Philly's offense didn't even reach 200 yards, and the defense surrendered 14 points in the fourth quarter. At least the defense forced two turnovers, and the offense scored a touchdown on its final drive.
Still, that game solidified four roster spots and might have put five Eagles players on the hot seat for the rest of August. Here's a look at the Eagles players who improved their roster status and the ones who are in big trouble now
Philadelphia Eagles who locked up roster spots and those who still have work to do after preseason Week 1
Won roster spot: Cole Payton, QB
Some questioned whether Payton would make the team since the Eagles had four quarterbacks, but he was the only one who did much in the Ravens game. He finished by completing four of nine passes for 37 yards and a touchdown, adding another 45 rushing yards on three carries. Payton's performance might be the push the Eagles needed to trade either Tanner McKee or Andy Dalton and roll with the rookie as the third-string for the 2026 season.
Won roster spot: Deontae Lawson, LB
Lawson was all over the field and more than earned one of the final spots on the roster. He finished with five tackles, two of them solo, but his motor and vision to find the ball carrier were impressive for an undrafted rookie. Lawson could end up being a great contributor on special teams for the Eagles in his rookie campaign.
Won roster spot: Joshua Weru, EDGE
Uar Bernard could also be included there, but the other international player, Weru, was making some plays for the Eagles. Weru finished with one tackle and a quarterback hit, showing that he can get pressure on the quarterback. Sure, he is a developmental player, but he seems to be further along than expected, so he might be worth keeping on the roster.
Won roster spot: Willie Lampkin, OL
An undersized 5-foot-11 offensive lineman might actually make the team, but Lampkin is not an ordinary lineman. He had 13 pass-pro snaps, allowing zero quarterback hits, hurries, and sacks in the game. His pushing and throwing that Ravens defensive lineman 12 total yards should be all the highlight Eagles fans need to be convinced Lampkin belongs on the roster.
On roster bubble: Mac McWilliams, CB
McWilliams led the Eagles in tackles with 10, but a cornerback should never do that. He was a liability in coverage and was targeted all night by the Ravens because they knew he was not doing well back there. It sounded like he was doing well in training camp, but this game was a poor display and should put his roster status in question.
On roster bubble: Grant Calcaterra, TE
It's been clear since the beginning of OTAs that Calcaterra's time in Philly is quickly coming to an end. In another preseason game, he struggled with blocking and caught one of his two targets for eight yards. Rookie Eli Stowers had a better game, so with Johnny Mundt looking like a lock to be the backup tight end, Calcaterra's time with the Eagles appears to be already over.
On roster bubble: Kelee Ringo, CB
Ringo's interception late in the second quarter in the back of the end zone was great and deserves credit. With that being said, it was still not a good night for him. He drew a penalty, and he was a liability in the secondary. Entering his fourth NFL season, Ringo has not improved in pass coverage at all, so the special teams part of his game can't keep covering the fact that he can't...well...cover receivers.
On roster bubble: Quez Watkins, WR
Watkins has been in and out of the Eagles' organization for a long time, and he still has great speed, but he doesn't look like he will make the team. His return game was his only saving grace, but his 18 yards per return was overshadowed by Erik Ezukanma averaging 25.7 yards per return. Ezukanma also caught a touchdown pass, so it's not looking good for Watkins at this point.
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On roster bubble: Hollywood Brown, WR
Okay, Brown should most likely make the team, but his status should start to be questioned. He had just one catch for four yards, but even before this game, Brown has struggled in training camp with getting any rapport with Jalen Hurts to the point that the two had to work together after practice just to get timing right in Week 3 of camp. With Darius Cooper, Dontayvion Wicks, and Elijah Moore having good camps, should Eagles fans really be 100% convinced that Brown is safe on the roster?
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