Hence, Jalen Hurts won’t be suiting up. The Philadelphia Eagles have been very cautious during preseason and that is expected to be the case once again. Hence, Tanner McKee will be under center vs. Bengals.

Per NBC10 Philadelphia, the game will focus entirely on reserves, rookies, and bubble players fighting for final roster spots ahead of roster cuts. After all, teams have to officialize their final 53-man roster on Sunday.

Will Joe Burrow play vs. Eagles?

Joe Burrow and the other Cincinnati Bengals starters won’t play against Philadelphia, per head coach Zac Taylor. Hence, backups Joe Flacco, Josh Johnson, and Sean Clifford could be playing vs. Eagles.

More specifically, it’s expected that Johnson and Clifford take the majority of the workload, as Flacco is seen as a premium backup in the NFL for the last few years. Hence, there’s no need to risk him either.

Both teams have coaches with lots of eyeballs on them

The Eagles have gone to two Super Bowls in the last four years and yet somehow head coach Nick Sirianni is always getting doubted. A heavy reliance on coordinators might bring doubts over Sirianni, but he’s been proven capable to get to the top.

As for Zac Taylor, many were shocked when the Bengals didn’t fire him at the end of last season. However, after three straight years without a playoff appearance, the pressure is big. After all, Taylor is wasting Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and many other star players in their primes.

“It felt great,” Lemon said, via Olivia Reiner of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “Definitely a blessing every time I’m able to step on the field. I never take it for granted.” The former USC Trojans player was seen practicing normally at the Eagles’ facilities, putting signs of his recent hamstring injury behind him.

“I feel pretty confident [there won’t be a reoccurrence],” he also added. “Just learning from my mistakes from the previous times, working with the trainers, setting a good plan for me, just being a professional off the field.”

One of Hurts’ top targets

Lemon returned to the turf after missing the last 10 practices with his teammates and is ready to become Jalen Hurts’ ideal partner. The quarterback will also have Dontayvion Wicks and DeVonta Smith as his top alternatives.

Nick Sirianni knows he will no longer have A.J. Brown this season, as the star wide receiver packed his bags and headed to Foxborough to join the New England Patriots. As a result, the wide receiver room will have a new look heading into the upcoming NFL season.

The Lemon-Hurts connection

It is well known that for an NFL offense to succeed, the connection and chemistry between the quarterback and his top weapons are crucial. Lemon, who is taking his first steps as a professional, is already beginning to feel comfortable with Hurts.

“I feel like that chemistry and that work never stops,” Lemon said. “Each and every day after practice, just talking to him. … I feel like any time I can build that chemistry, it’s good.”

Awaiting his NFL debut

Makai Lemon is confident he will be available for Sirianni in the Eagles’ season opener. The game will take place on September 13 at home against Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders.

Philadelphia will have one final preseason game before then, although Lemon’s availability remains uncertain. The game will also be played at Lincoln Financial Field, against the Cincinnati Bengals, on Friday, August 28.

In a statement released shortly after, the Eagles confirmed that Jackson “has strength and movement in all extremities” and was being taken to a local hospital for further evaluation. That update offered relief to fans and teammates alike after the scary scene, with reports noting Jackson was even seen briefly raising his left arm before being loaded into the ambulance.

Play resumed a few minutes later, though the extended stoppage left a somber mood hanging over the rest of the preseason game. The Eagles have not yet disclosed the specific nature of Jackson’s injury, and further updates are expected once he completes evaluation at the hospital.

What happened to Jackson

Jackson went down to the turf while attempting to tackle the kickoff returner during Philadelphia’s preseason game against the Patriots in Foxborough for a match of the NFL Preseason.

He remained motionless on the field after diving to bring down the New England returner, prompting medical personnel from both teams to rush onto the field almost immediately. Athletic trainers quickly called for a stretcher, and both benches gathered near the scene as Jackson was placed onto it.

Players from the Eagles and Patriots knelt in support while Jackson was loaded onto the stretcher, creating a solemn pause at the start of the game. An ambulance entered the field to transport him, and the entire Eagles bench came out to surround their teammate before he was taken away.

The Eagles are expected to provide further updates on Jackson’s condition as more information becomes available from doctors evaluating him at the hospital, with hopes that the situation does not prove serious and that he makes a speedy recovery.

How to watch Patriots vs Eagles in the USA

The game is part of NFL Preseason Week 2 and will be televised nationally on NFL Network. For streaming, Fubo and NFL+ provides live access to out-of-market preseason games.

Can I watch Patriots vs Eagles for free?

Fubo currently offers a 5-day free trial, which is broadcasting Patriots vs. Eagles live on August 22. This allows eligible new subscribers to watch the preseason matchup during the trial period without paying upfront.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles meet in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL preseason, just days after facing each other in two joint practices at Gillette Stadium. Those sessions on August 19 and 20 give both coaching staffs an extended look at players in competitive situations before Saturday’s game, making the matchup particularly valuable for roster evaluations and position battles.

The Patriots opened their preseason with a 13-13 tie against the Indianapolis Colts, while the Eagles are coming off a 24-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. For Philadelphia, the second preseason game offers another opportunity to evaluate young players and depth following a difficult opener.

New England, meanwhile, will continue building around Drake Maye, who is entering his second NFL season and is expected to be one of the key players to watch after sitting out the preseason opener. With the regular season approaching, the preseason result itself is secondary to player evaluation.

The two joint practices and Saturday’s game give Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and Eagles coach Nick Sirianni an important opportunity to assess players competing for roster spots, determine rotations and test how their units respond against an opponent with playoff-caliber talent. The Patriots are also the defending AFC champions, adding extra interest to their preparations for the 2026 regular season.

What time is the Patriots vs Eagles match?

The Patriots vs Eagles game kicks off Saturday, August 22, at 7:00 PM ET from Gillette Stadium. For viewers across the United States, these are the corresponding start times:

• Eastern Time: 7:00 PM
• Central Time: 6:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 5:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 4:00 PM

Per Mike Reiss of ESPN, it is very unlikely that Drake Maye plays vs Eagles. After all, Maye received heavy work during joint practices. Hence, the coaching staff might be content with the evaluation of him during those periods.

Backup Tommy DeVito is again expected to start under center. In last week’s preseason opener against the Colts, DeVito completed 13 of 22 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown. The Eagles will be yet another test against him.

Is Jalen Hurts playing for Eagles vs Patriots?

Nick Sirianni also indicated that his starters will rest, so Jalen Hurts is not likely to play vs. Patriots. Hurts didn’t have the best of practices and questions around him might be growing, but he is still the certified QB1 on the team.

Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton are likely to carry the major workload for the Eagles under center against the Patriots. As always, this is more a “go out and stay healthy” kind of game for NFL teams.

Maye and Hurts have different points to prove in 2026

Maye was the MVP runner-up last season and went to the Super Bowl, albeit on a losing effort. However, his season was criticized because of the easy schedule he faced. Now, he has to prove he can deliver in a consistent basis with a tougher schedule.

As for Hurts, the Eagles offense is entering a new regime with Sean Mannion as the offensive coordinator, and they lost AJ Brown, upgraded DeVonta Smith to WR1 and drafted Makai Lemon. Hurts needs to prove he can be a leader and produce.

Ravens’ head coach Jesse Minter confirmed that Lamar Jackson won’t play vs. the Eagles. “Some established players (are) not playing in this first game,” Minter added. Hence, most starters are likely to sit this game out.

The Ravens will have Tyler Huntley, Joe Fagnano and Austin Reed as the available signal-callers for this game. Huntley should be the one given the most snaps as he is the premium backup of the team.

Is Jalen Hurts playing for Eagles vs Ravens?

While head coach Nick Sirianni has kept his lineup choices private, it is likely that Jalen Hurts won’t play vs Ravens. Hurts is a Super Bowl-winning quarterback that has nothing to prove, so risking him would be unwise.

The QBs could be Andy Dalton, a veteran, reliable backup, or Tanner McKee. It is also likely that both share snaps to see who the first backup is. Names like Saquon Barkley should also rest this game.

Ravens and Eagles have both huge expectations for 2026 NFL season

Both the Ravens and Eagles have to prove doubters wrong in 2026. The Ravens need to show that the head coaching change was the last piece needed to become a Super Bowl-winning team with Lamar Jackson at the helm.

As for the Eagles, while they went to the playoffs, they got bounced out quickly and were surrounded by controversy all season long. Now, they changed offensive coordinators and shipped AJ Brown, so they must prove all these changes will solve their issues.

According to Eliot Shorr-Parks of 94WIP.com, Smith has been sidelined for almost a week and will remain on the sidelines to begin the third week of camp. That is despite the team believing the injury is nothing to really worry about.

The premise is simple, Smith is poised to be the Eagles’ WR1 following AJ Brown‘s departure. Hence, they want him to be as healthy as possible before even trying to force him and risk a bigger injury.

Smith isn’t the only WR sidelined for the Eagles

Makai Lemon is a highly-touted rookie, but he has been sidelined with a hamstring injury as well. However, Lemon’s injury might be more severe than Smith’s, at least according to the reports.

Per Jimmy Kempski of The Philly Voice, Lemon’s status is really up in the air. “It’s fair at this point to doubt that he will start, at least early in the season,” Kempski said. Hence, as of now, new WR Dontayvion Wicks is the one making waves.

Eagles WR depth chart for the 2026 NFL season

Missing AJ Brown is a huge thing. Brown is a top 10 WR in the NFL. However, DeVonta Smith is so good, he could easily be any team’s WR1 as well, and that’s what the Eagles are banking on. This is their full WR depth chart:

• DeVonta Smith
• Makai Lemon
• Dontayvion Wicks
• Hollywood Brown
• Elijah Moore
• Johnny Wilson
• Quez Watkins
• Darius Cooper
• Britain Covey
• Samori Toure
• Danny Gray
• Erik Ezukanma

“As you get older, things change in your life,” he said during his press conference. “Priorities, your children get older, parents get older. It just puts things into perspective. I’m looking like it’s probably going to be my last year. Just cause I’m getting to that point —those priorities away from football are starting to merge.

“Not that I don’t enjoy — I love everything about this game and preparing for it. That’s kinda where I’m at in my career. Just looking forward to this year, playing the best I can and stay healthy. That’s about it.”

The right tackle also said that he plans on having “a really good last year,” a statement that has certainly excited Philadelphia. Can he cap off his final season with another Super Bowl ring?

Lane Johnson’s legacy in Philadelphia

Drafted 4th overall in 2013, Lane Johnson has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest offensive tackles in Philadelphia Eagles history and a cornerstone of the franchise for over a decade. Anchoring the right side of the offensive line across more than 160 career starts, Johnson is a Super Bowl LII champion, a two-time First-team All-Pro (2017, 2022), and a six-time Pro Bowler.

Widely regarded as one of the most dominant pass protectors of his era—highlighted by an incredible streak of nearly 30 consecutive games and over two calendar years without allowing a single sack—his combination of athletic elite power, leadership, and elite consistency has solidified his future status in the Eagles Hall of Fame.

Will Nick Sirianni use Lane Johnson this season?

Heading into the upcoming season under head coach Nick Sirianni, the Philadelphia Eagles boast one of the most imposing offensive lines in the NFL. Left tackle Jordan Mailata and veteran right tackle Lane Johnson form an elite edge-blocking duo, anchoring a unit renowned for its combination of power and pass protection.

Up the middle, dynamic left guard Landon Dickerson, center Cam Jurgens, and right guard Tyler Steen complete a cohesive starting five built to control the line of scrimmage and drive the team’s offense.

One of the draft’s most memorable moments came when Lemon was on the phone with the Steelers, believing he was about to become Pittsburgh’s first-round selection, only to learn that the Eagles had jumped ahead to draft him instead.

Philadelphia’s aggressive move immediately raised expectations. After selecting Lemon, the Eagles felt comfortable trading A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots, placing significant pressure on the rookie to eventually help fill the void left by one of the league’s best receivers.

How has Makai Lemon performed with Eagles?

While DeVonta Smith remains the clear No. 1 receiver on the depth chart, Makai Lemon entered training camp carrying enormous expectations. So far, however, an early report from Brandon Lee Gowton suggests the rookie is still adjusting to the NFL.

“I’ve yet to see any kind of ‘wow’ factor with Lemon. He didn’t look very fast on a vertical target where the ball landed in front of him. Not sure if that incompletion was an overthrow or if he simply didn’t get to where Jalen Hurts was expecting him to be. Lemon failed to hold on to the football on a target over the middle where Andrew Mukuba bumped him from behind as he was trying to make the catch.”

Gowton also noted that the trend continued during another practice in Day 3. “It’s very early in camp, but I haven’t seen Eli Stowers or Makai Lemon do anything impressive so far.”

Even so, the Eagles are not expected to panic. They understand that Lemon is a rookie making the jump from college football, and developing chemistry with Jalen Hurts will likely take time.

Still, considering the draft capital invested to acquire him, and the decision to move on from A.J. Brown, it’s understandable why these early reports have generated concern among Eagles fans eager to see their newest offensive weapon make an immediate impact.

Hence, now Diego Pavia’s future in the NFL is quite blurry. He is seriously undersized for the position. Furthermore, he doesn’t have the best of reputations as to his personality and leadership.

Hence, for a guy with plenty of off-field history and being just 5’10”, Pavia really might see his NFL career end before it even starts. But, there are some paths for him to stay in the league after being waved by the Ravens.

Pavia’s potential fits in the NFL

Since Pavia was released before training camp began, his options now center on either finding an immediate camp/practice squad fit in the NFL. The alternative is to look for a spot in alternative professional leagues.

First and foremost, the stage is clear: Pavia must find an NFL practice squad or be available as an emergency depth QB. His best NFL fit would be with a team utilizing heavy spread/RPO or mobile QB concepts that needs a scout-team dual-threat passer.

Two teams could serve as Pavia’s destinations

Both the Eagles and Commanders as teams with established mobile quarterbacks. The two teams regularly look for mobile scout-team passers during the season to give their defense realistic practice looks.

Still, Pavia would be more of a training quarterback rather than a real possibility off the bench to enter the field. Also, Pavia should be trying to get a new team as soon as possible. An impressive showing in the NFL preseason could raise his stock for the future.

Despite Mailata saying he didn’t want to give away too much about new OC Sean Mannion’s scheme for the Eagles, he opened up during an interview with NBC Sports Philadelphia. “We are way more aggressive in this system this year than years past,” Mailata revealed, adding that the offense now features more answers in the running game.

Mannion has seemingly cleared up previous schematic confusions for the offensive line. Mailata admitted the unit now has a much clearer understanding of assignments up front, making both the passing and running options feel significantly more streamlined.

Mannion simplifies things for the Eagles offense

Mailata is entering his seventh NFL year with the Eagles, and his comments suggest the offense faced challenges executing assignments in previous seasons. He emphasized that Mannion is focused on heavily simplifying the team’s terminology and play-calling structure.

Hearing a veteran of his caliber speak so highly of the new OC is a massive green light for the franchise, signaling that the scheme is quickly catching on. Philadelphia’s offense wasn’t entirely lost last season, as they reached the playoffs before ultimately dropping their Wild Card matchup to the San Francisco 49ers.

Exactly what a young coordinator like Mannion brings to the table will unfold during the opening weeks of the 2026 season. While his coordinator experience is fresh, he comes highly regarded after serving as an offensive assistant and quarterbacks coach for the Green Bay Packers from 2024 to 2025.