One final chance to impress the coaching staff and personnel department. One last night to put the best version of yourself on display for the entire National Football League. The last preseason game comes with so much at stake for those players on the field, so let's dig into some storylines as the Eagles prepare for the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday night (8 p.m., CBS, Sportsradio 94WIP) …
- Roster spots are there to be won
Who wins a roster spot with a big game on Friday? It has happened in the past – if you want to go back, unofficially, there have been players who have done enough in the final preseason game to cement a spot on the 53-man roster. So, yes, this game is important from that angle. But you also have to consider the practice squad, a 16-player unit that is an integral part of the overall roster. Every spot is valuable. Every piece of the puzzle has to fit. Those on the field have much on the line.
"It's just another great evaluation tool," Head Coach Nick Sirianni said the final preseason game. "Obviously, you grade every practice, but we actually put a game grade on the three preseason games, put a game grade on the two joint practices."
- Will the Eagles give Makai Lemon some game action?
Don't yet know if he will play or not, but wide receiver Makai Lemon practiced all week and could see his first preseason action if the coaching staff feels he has a need to get acclimated. The first-round draft pick has worked hard in his rehab from a hamstring injury and says he is confident with the way he is feeling and his understanding of the system. He's in a ramp-up period, for sure, but the Eagles also want to be smart and bring him along to get ready for the regular season. We will see how the coaches handle his situation.
"There are always opportunities to get better," Sirianni said of the work Lemon has been putting in while injured. "Obviously, the best way to get better at football is to practice football. That's why we're excited that he's out there, but there's things that you're able to accomplish even when you aren't practicing.
- Potentially, extended playing time for QB Cole Payton
The rookie has done some good things in his game reps – significantly leading the offense to a touchdown in a late-game drive at Baltimore. Payton is a piece of talented clay the coaching staff is molding and he is an eager, intelligent young man who has a drive to be the best he can be. The quarterback position is one to watch, of course, as the Eagles say the competition continues with Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee, so maybe those two get the majority of the snaps against Cincinnati. Any rep that Payton plays is so, so beneficial. Let's see how Nick Sirianni and Sean Mannion divvy up the snaps.
- A third game for the coaching staff to work on scenarios
The in-game communication between the coaches is critical and there have been very few hiccups to date. Every bit of communication has to be connected for this night. This is the first game at Lincoln Financial Field and Sirianni will have the players simulate the game-night experience for the players – the day-before routine, the hotel overnight, the day-of game experience, etc. This is a trial run for the September 13 game against Washington to open the regular season.
- Friday leads to a busy weekend
You know the routine: General manager Howie Roseman and the Eagles have a huge several days ahead with continued evaluation of the roster and then the reduction of the roster to 53 players on Sunday at 6 p.m. At the same time, the Eagles are keeping their eyes on the waiver wire and staying fluid there as well as putting together a practice squad the next day.
