Eagles preseason notes show wide receiver battle tightening

A breakdown of the Eagles first preseason game focusing on receiver development, cornerback battles, and roster implications.

Eagles open preseason with strong WR showing and defensive evaluation

PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles opened the preseason with a 34-27 win over the Bengals, and Ainias Smith showed clear progress after extra work with Jalen Hurts. Smith caught a 6-yard touchdown in the second quarter and later returned a punt 46 yards, signaling versatility as he fights for a final WR spot. Johnny Wilson added three catches for 73 yards, including a 28-yard grab, while undrafted rookie Darius Cooper earned a highlight with a 20-yard TD catch as the bottom of the depth chart at receiver remains crowded. The offense also featured Will Shipley and a few earlier drills that set the tone for how the QB room and playmakers may look when the regular season arrives.

Cornerback depth remains a work in progress. Kelee Ringo struggled on the opening drives, Ja’Marr Chase beating him on a 23-yard comeback and then a 36-yard score, while Adoree’ Jackson surrendered a 21-yard pass that erased a holding penalty. Jakorian Bennett did not dress, and Vic Fangio needs reliable options for blitz-heavy looks as the defense evaluates a No. 2 cornerback. The night also brought injuries to several players and a look at line depth, with Kenyon Green and Elijah Cooper leaving the field early. The NFL’s dynamic kickoff rule change, moving touchbacks to the 35-yard line, also began to influence special teams decisions as the team continues to evaluate depth for two more preseason games.

Smith’s improved health and his ability to win contested catches will be watched as the WR room begins to take shape. The question is not just talent but availability and consistency, and Smith’s emergence helps the Eagles manage a crowded group behind A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson. The coaching staff already signals a long look at the bottom of the roster, where Cooper and Wilson could tip the scales in a competitive battle for a handful of spots. The defense faces a tougher puzzle at cornerback, especially with Ringo’s rough night and the need for a dependable No. 2 to support blitz schemes a Vic Fangio defense will deploy through the season.

The special teams thread matters too. Smith’s punt return shows a potential value boost on game day, while Braden Mann’s unusual path to a ready-made role as a kicker on extra points offers a reminder that roster versatility will be prized late in August. The touchback rule change increases return opportunities and could tilt late-summer decisions in the Eagles’ favor if depth players step up.

Highlights

As the roster takes shape, every snap counts.