Donnel Pumphrey and Markus Wheaton are in uniform and it looks like they're going to play in the Eagles' preseason finale Thursday night after both missed considerable time with hamstring injuries.
That's noteworthy because the two of them still have outside chances to make the team's 53-man roster, which must be finalized by Saturday at 4 p.m.
Running back and receiver are two positions in which the last spots at each still appear up for grabs.
Pumphrey would have a steep climb. He needs to surpass Wendell Smallwood and Josh Adams. While Smallwood has played fairly well this preseason, Adams is an intriguing and talented rookie. In fact, head coach Doug Pederson said Adams was one player he really wanted to see tonight (see story).
Wheaton is a veteran whose career has been derailed by injuries over the past two seasons. The Eagles are going to have an interesting decision with that sixth and final receiver spot (if they keep six). Alshon Jeffery will reportedly miss at least the first two weeks of the season as he recovers from rotator cuff surgery. There are a few young receivers fighting for that vacant job, but it might stand to reason if the Eagles wanted to bring a veteran who might help more immediately. Wheaton could, perhaps, be that.
The other position of intrigue might be tight end. Richard Rodgers doesn't look likely to be ready for the opener, which might mean the Eagles keep four guys. Keep an eye on No. 49, Anthony Denham, tonight. Denham was signed just a couple days ago, but knows the offense and might be a better option than Billy Brown or Gannon Sinclair (see story).
