NFL 10 takeaways from Eagles’ first unofficial depth chart of the 2023 season
The Eagles are gearing up for their regular season opener on the road against the Patriots on Sunday afternoon.
Philadelphia released its first unofficial depth chart before Sunday’s huge matchup.
Depth charts are always fluid, and although it’s not finalized, there are plenty of notable surprises at some crucial positions.
With the Eagles returning to practice on Wednesday, here are ten takeaways from the depth chart.
Alphabetical committee
Kenneth Gainwell is RB1, but only because his last name starts with a G.
The former Memphis running back will have a critical role on offense, but head coach Nick Sirianni made it clear that the “hot hand” will play.
Nick Sirianni on Eagles RB rotation: "We'll see how it plays out. I can say it's by committee and then somebody gets hot and we stick with them. We'll see how it plays out. But what I love is the depth in that room and the capabilities of the guys in that room."
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) September 5, 2023
Competition at safety
Even after roster cuts, Philadelphia still hasn’t named a starter opposite Reed Blankenship.
Nick Sirianni declines to name a starting safety next to Reed Blankenship for the opener. The options are Justin Evans, Terrell Edmunds and Sydney Brown.
"Don't need to yet."
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) September 5, 2023
Co-starter at WILL LB spot
Zach Cunningham and Christian Elliss will both see snaps at the WILL linebacker spot and the Eagles chose not to name a starter.
No punter
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Your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you, and Philadelphia does not have a punter listed ahead of the season opener.
The Birds could elevate Arryn Siposs and take it on a week to week basis.
Olamide Zaccheaus punt returner
With Britain Covey on the practice squad, Olamide Zaccheaus has been listed as the primary punt returner.
Eagles 4 tight ends
With the signing of Albert Okwuegbunam, Philadelphia has four tight ends on the roster entering Week 1.
The team could move some things around as the week progresses, or Nick Sirianni could make Okwuegbunam inactive.
First round picks are backups
Nolan Smith and Jalen Carter will both make an impact on Day 1, but neither is listed as a starter ahead of their first regular season contest.
CB Depth
With James Bradberry able to slide down into the slot, Josh Jobe and Eli Ricks are the cornerbacks listed behind the All-Pro.
Mario Goodrich
The former Clemson cornerback made the roster, and he’ll backup Avonte Maddox in the slot on the depth chart.
If Maddox suffers an injury during the game, will DC Sean Desai insert Goodrich or slide Bradberry down?
Final count
Philadelphia has 24 players on offense, 27 on defense and two specialist currently.
Arryn Siposs, Nicholas Morrow, and Britain Covey are among the players that could be elevated for special teams.
