This game would be a lot more exciting if Carson Wentz was on this list. But he isn’t.
Wentz’s ribs still haven’t healed completely, so the No. 2 overall pick will be a spectator for the third straight game Thursday night against the Jets.
Sure, this is the most meaningless preseason game. But it’s not meaningless for a lot of guys on the bubble and some guys who have a chance to get noticed by the other 31 teams.
Here are 10 Eagles to watch:
QB Chase Daniel
Like it or not, the Eagles are entering the 2016 season with Daniel as the team’s primary backup. So far, he’s had an up-and-down preseason, so fans should want to see some more consistency from the $7 million-per-year backup quarterback. Daniel will start on Thursday night, which he thinks will help him get into a rhythm early.
CB C.J. Smith
The undrafted cornerback from North Dakota State might end up playing in an NFL game before his very famous Bison teammate. Smith has been very impressive during camp and preseason and has a real shot to make the roster, depending on how many corners the team carries. If the Eagles keep six, he might be the guy.
LB Quentin Gause
The Eagles have a depth problem at linebacker — maybe you’ve heard that before. Gause has a shot at taking the sixth spot at the position as long as he offers something on special teams.
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LB Myke Tavarres
Sure, watch Tavarres during the anthem, but don’t stop there. Like Gause, he has a real shot to make the roster as an undrafted linebacker. If he isn’t on the 53-man, he has practice squad potential.
DT Destiny Vaeao
For now, it looks like Taylor Hart has the edge as the fourth defensive tackle on the roster, but Vaeao has been solid since arriving and a big game Thursday might give him a shot at the 53 or the practice squad.
DE Steven Means
Means didn’t have as good a game against the Colts as we’ve been accustomed to seeing from him this preseason. But he still has a chance to beat out Marcus Smith for a roster spot. If he doesn’t land with the Eagles, there’s a good chance another team has been watching him closely and will scoop him on waivers.
WR Paul Turner
The future Hall of Famer has just been incredibly consistent during camp and the preseason. He’s not big or fast or incredibly athletic but he finds spots and catches the football. After the team released Rueben Randle and Chris Givens, Turner might have a roster spot depending on if the team claims someone off waivers.
RB Byron Marshall
Wendell Smallwood has barely played this preseason and now has a concussion. Meanwhile, Marshall has been impressive as a runner, pass-catcher and blocker. The rookie from Oregon still has a shot to make the Eagles' roster. If not, they’d probably love to have him on the practice squad if he makes it through waivers.
WR Dorial Green-Beckham
Another chance to watch DGB, so of course you’re going to watch him. The big 6-foot-5 target will get extended work because he’s new to the team.
S Blake Countess
The sixth-round pick has a shot at the roster, but could be a casualty of the numbers game. How many safeties will they keep? Can Countess show he’ll be worth the spot? If he performs on special teams, it’ll go a long way.
