The Philadelphia Eagles' spring practices have come to an end, and it's time to take a closer look at some of the players who didn't quite measure up. While the team's success in the upcoming season remains uncertain, these players face significant challenges that could impact their future with the organization.
Andy Dalton: The Backup Battle
One of the most surprising developments during the spring practices was Andy Dalton's emergence as a potential backup quarterback. Initially, he was expected to be the third-string option, but he quickly rose to the occasion. However, his performance was not without flaws. Dalton's arm strength was a concern, as evidenced by his struggles with completing tight passes. His accuracy was also an issue, leading to multiple interceptions. The Eagles' decision to base their backup quarterback selection on merit rather than experience could spell trouble for Dalton. If he doesn't secure the backup role, his future with the team becomes uncertain, and the Eagles might have to make a difficult decision regarding Cole Payton's roster spot.
Makai Lemon: A Disappointing Start
The Eagles' 2026 first-round pick, Makai Lemon, had a rocky start to his NFL career. While he was active and targeted by the starters in his first media-attended practice, a hamstring injury sidelined him for a significant portion of the spring practices. This setback is particularly disappointing as the team heavily relies on Lemon to replace A.J. Brown's production. Lemon's injury raises concerns about his ability to stay healthy and contribute to the team's success. The Eagles' management will need to closely monitor his recovery and performance during training camp to determine his long-term role.
Eli Stowers: Quiet Spring, Uncertain Future
Eli Stowers, a tight end, had a relatively quiet spring practice, which might be attributed to an undisclosed injury that forced him to wear a compression sleeve on his right leg. His receiving ability, which is considered his biggest strength, didn't get a chance to shine as much as expected. While it's premature to write off Stowers' potential, his limited involvement in the passing camp setting could impact his standing within the team. With Dallas Goedert and Johnny Mundt already established, Stowers might struggle to secure a higher position in the depth chart.
Cole Wisniewski: Struggles with Health
Another rookie, Cole Wisniewski, from the Eagles' 2026 draft class, encountered health issues during the spring practices. He missed a significant portion of the full-team drill activities, participating only in individual drills. Wisniewski was initially seen as a potential dark horse in the safety battle, but his absence from the full-team drills has set him back. His limited involvement in the team's activities might impact his chances of making the final roster.
Ty Robinson: Missing Out on Opportunities
Ty Robinson, a 25-year-old defensive player, also faced challenges during the spring practices. Despite the absence of Jalen Carter in team drills, Robinson found himself working on the third-string defensive line alongside Uar Bernard, a player with no prior football experience. This limited his exposure to the starting defense, and he missed out on valuable reps. The competition for roster spots is fierce, and Robinson's position on the depth chart seems uncertain. He might be at risk of not making the 53-man roster or could be a healthy scratch, even if he does make the cut.
Brandon Johnson: Waived and Replaced
Brandon Johnson, who had shown promise towards the end of the previous season, saw limited reps in spring drills. Unfortunately, his time with the Eagles came to an end when he was waived earlier this week. The team's decision to waive him suggests that they are looking for an upgrade or a more suitable option at his position.
In summary, these players face significant challenges that could impact their future with the Eagles. The team's management will need to carefully evaluate their performance during training camp and make difficult decisions to shape the roster for the upcoming season.
