Following the team's 24-21 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 2 of preseason action, the Philadelphia Eagles floundered in a 30-13 defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals in their preseason finale.
The Eagles had fewer rookies playing in the game, with three of their draft picks inactive. Philly fans did see rookie first-round pick Makai Lemon on the field for the first time in an Eagles uniform.
So, how did the Eagles' rookies perform in the final preseason game? Here's a closer look at how each rookie performed.
Eagles rookie report card from preseason Week 3 against Bengals
Makai Lemon, WR - First Round
On the very first play from scrimmage, Tanner McKee hit Lemon for a three-yard reception. Two plays later, a shifty route by Lemon left the rookie with some breathing room as he broke toward the right sideline 20 yards downfield, but rookie Tacario Davis of Cincy made a nice play to deflect the near-reception. Later. A bad throw by McKee (there weren't many good ones) turned a 50/50 ball into an interception, with two DBs sandwiching Lemon. He had both hands on it, yet McKee definitely didn't do him any favors with the throw.
Tough to assess too much with poor quarterback play, but it was a "meh" first live showing out of the first-rounder. Getting him back out there for his first taste of game action following the lingering hamstring issues was a welcome relief, nonetheless.
Lemon finished the evening with three catches for three yards on five targets. He also had trouble corraling a punt return, muffing it before recovering and getting wrapped up for no gain.
Grade: C
Eli Stowers, TE - Second Round
Stowers suffered a hamstring injury last week and was inactive.
Grade: Incomplete
Markel Bell, OT - Third Round
Bell (thumb/leg) was held out of action in this one.
Grade: Incomplete
Cole Payton, QB - Fifth Round
Payton earned some interesting snaps, entering as part of the punt team unit to really get those Taysom Hill comps fired up. The Tanner McKee-Andy Dalton battle for backup QB honors raged on, leaving Payton watching from the sideline until the tail end of the action. He got under center at the very end of regulation, going 0 for 2 and getting sacked once.
Grade: C
Micah Morris, OG - Sixth Round
Morris has had an interesting preseason, as he started strong against Baltimore but has had mixed results since. The quarterbacks were feeling the heat in this one, and Morris is definitely on the roster bubble, finding himself in a tight competition for the final backup lineman spot.
Grade: C
Cole Wisniewski, S - Seventh Round
Wisniewski (concussion) was inactive.
Grade: Incomplete
Uar Bernard, DT - Seventh Round
Bernard (one tackle) fired up his teammates prior to kickoff, breaking down the defense in spirited fashion. Once the game commenced, it was a quiet affair. Bernard has been impressing in practice and had a few ventures into the backfield last week against New England, but his performance in this one was nondescript.
Grade: C+
Keyshawn James-Newby, Edge - Seventh Round
James-Newby showed a nice burst off the edge with a sack of quarterback Josh Johnson. He also clocked three tackles and a QB hit on the evening. After being forced out of action for a good portion of camp due to injury, his performance was certainly encouraging.
Grade: A
Other rookies to note:
Deontae Lawson (ILB - A) made his presence felt throughout, with five tackles and a big forced fumble as well. Whether he makes the 53-man roster or not, he's proven he can play in the league.
Joshua Weru (Edge - C+) has continued to play aggressive at all timesaggressively as he adjusts in real time to life on the gridiron. He drew an illegal hands penalty early on. Having never played the sport before this summer, he is developing at a terrific rate overall.
Kapena Gushiken (Safety - B-) was active once again, notching three first-quarter tackles and seven overall. The secondary as a whole was getting lit up at times, capping the grades for Gushiken and Maximus Pulley (Safety - C+) (five tackles).
Zion Wilson (DL - B) had a nice tackle for loss to go along with five tackles on the evening. He played better in this one.
Read more: Ranking Eagles offensive position groups entering make-or-break 2026 season
David Blay Jr (DL - B) also had a big tackle early on and created some push in the Cincy pocket, finishing with four tackles.
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