As the Philadelphia Eagles enter the final week of their 2025 Training Camp, several key questions remain before the regular season begins. The team will play a preseason game on Friday and must reduce its roster to 53 players by Tuesday, August 26 at 4 PM. After that, preparations will focus on the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on September 4.
The offense is expected to be strong again this year. Offensive Coordinator Kevin Patullo will begin closed practices after Wednesday to prepare for the Cowboys, with plans to design plays that create favorable matchups for Philadelphia. The unit returns ten starters from last season, while Tyler Steen has taken over at right guard. Notable changes include improved performance from wide receiver Jahan Dotson, added depth in that position group, and contributions from new running back A.J. Dillon and second-year player Will Shipley.
Regarding rookies, last year’s class made immediate impacts—Quinyon Mitchell started right away, Cooper DeJean contributed significantly on defense and special teams, and others like Jalyx Hunt and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. also played roles. This year’s newcomers are showing promise as well: linebacker Jihaad Campbell has impressed during camp; safety Andrew Mukuba recorded two takeaways—including a 75-yard interception return—in his first preseason game; and defensive tackle Ty Robinson has been active throughout summer sessions.
On defense, interior linemen such as Moro Ojomo have stood out with quickness and power alongside Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis. Their performance could provide an advantage at the line of scrimmage for the entire defense.
Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio faces decisions about starting positions but has depth to work with across multiple areas. There is competition at cornerback opposite Quinyon Mitchell among Kelee Ringo, Adoree’ Jackson, Eli Ricks, and Jakorian Bennett. At safety next to Reed Blankenship, Sydney Brown competes with Andrew Mukuba for playing time while Cooper DeJean lines up in base personnel situations.
Fangio’s system enters its second year with most players familiar with its requirements. Young edge rushers Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt continue developing; Joshua Uche and Azeez Ojulari have shown productivity as well.
Special teams are also a focus this season due to expected changes in NFL kickoff rules aimed at increasing return rates from around 45 percent last year toward a target of 70 percent league-wide (https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-owners-approve-new-kickoff-rule-for-2024-season). The Eagles have experimented with various returners during camp while emphasizing coverage units’ importance. Jake Elliott’s versatility on kickoffs provides an additional asset for coordinator Michael Clay’s group; punter Braden Mann has performed well during training camp.
With several roster spots still open—particularly at wide receiver following John Metchie III’s addition Monday—and ongoing battles at cornerback, tight end, offensive line depth, and safety positions, this week remains critical for players aiming to secure places on the final roster.
“Big week ahead. Great times for the Eagles as they wrap up the Training Camp and the preseason with so much on the line.”
