Eagles updated 53-man roster vs. Lions: News and notes for Week 1
The Eagles are in Detroit and a little under 18 hours away from kicking off the season opener on the road against the Lions.
The Birds are a slight favorite and will look to start the season on a positive note with a huge home matchup against the Vikings ahead on Monday Night Football.
Jalen Hurts will look to cement his status and a new contract this season, while Jonathan Gannon’s retooled defense could be among the best in the NFL.
With the team settled in and prepared, here’s an updated look at the 53-man roster with news and notes after the elevation of Britain Covey.
#1 QB Jalen Hurts
Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Hurts can use a dynamic showing on Sunday with a huge Monday night football tilt against Kirk Cousins and the Vikings set for Week 2.
#2 CB Darius Slay
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Initially drafted by the Lions, Slay is returning to Detroit for the second time since being traded to the Eagles.
#3 WR Zach Pascal
(AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Pascal will play his first game with Philadelphia, and the physical wideout should provide considerable dividends in the red zone.
#4 K Jake Elliott
(AP Photo/Kirk Irwin)
#6 WR DeVonta Smith
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The Slim Reaper will look to build on his impressive rookie season.
#7 LB Haason Reddick
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
The ‘Weapon’ will make his debut with Philadelphia, and Reddick should significantly enhance the Birds’ pass rush.
#8 P Arryn Sippos
(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The former Auburn punter had a solid preseason and will look to improve on his 2021 season.
#10 QB Gardner Minshew
Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
The veteran quarterback is in the final year of his rookie deal and gives Philadelphia one of the best insurance policies in football.
#11 WR A.J. Brown
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Brown will make his debut with Philadelphia amid big expectations and a huge contract.
#14 RB Kenneth Gainwell
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The second-year running back is a dual-threat and impact player in the red zone.
#16 WR Quez Watkins
Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
The third wide receiver on the depth chart, Watkins may be the teams most explosive player.
#17 LB Nakobe Dean
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The former Georgia All-American linebacker will make his NFL debut in a reserve role, but his presence will be felt.
#19 QB Ian Book
(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Book is the third quarterback on the roster and unlikely to be active after being claimed off waivers from New Orleans at the roster deadline.
#22 S Marcus Epps
(Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
Epps will debut as a full-time starter, returning to the scene of his most impressive performance in 2021.
#23 S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson
Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
The newest Eagle is already taking first-team reps at safety and should enhance the secondary from day one.
#24 CB James Bradberry
(AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Bradberry will make his debut at cornerback for the Eagles against the physical DJ Chark.
#26 RB Miles Sanders
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sanders says he’s healthy entering a contract year, and he’ll look to log his first 1,000-yard rushing season.
#27 CB Zech McPhearson
Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
#28 CB Josh Jobe
(AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Jobe switched to jersey No. 28 and is the fifth cornerback on the roster.
#29 CB Avonte Maddox
(David Santiago/Miami Herald via AP)
#33 CB Josiah Scott
(AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Scott made Philadelphia’s 53-man roster and could see time at safety and Slot cornerback.
#34 RB Trey Sermon
(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
The hard-running Sermon could be listed as inactive after being claimed off waivers.
#35 RB Boston Scott
Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
#42 S K'Von Wallace
(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Wallace is now a key contributor for the Eagles entering his third season.
#43 LB Kyzir White
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The athletic linebacker offers dynamic playmaking ability for an Eagles defense lacking such a presence at the position.
#45 LS Rick Lovato
Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
#46 S Reed Blankenship
(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Blankenship will make his debut and will bring an aura of physicality to the safety position.
#48 LB Patrick Johnson
Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
#51 C Cam Jurgens
(AP Photo/Kirk Irwin)
#54 LB Shaun Bradley
(AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
#55 DE Brandon Graham
(AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Graham returns to his hometown of Detroit after missing the 2021 matchup with a torn Achilles.
