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The NFL doesn’t require teams to have official inactive lists for preseason games but thanks to the power of observation we have some idea of which Philadelphia Eagles players won’t suit up for the team’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers tonight.
The following #Eagles aren't dressed for tonight's preseason opener: Carson Wentz, Nick Foles, Nelson Agholor, Mike Wallace, Alshon Jeffery, Markus Wheaton, Matt Jones, Donnel Pumphrey, Ian Park, Tim Jernigan, Brandon Graham, Asantay Brown, Chris Maragos.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) August 9, 2018
We know Wentz, Foles not playing I’m also told Jason peters, Ertz, agholor, pumphrey , Corey graham are not playing tonight
— Derrick Gunn (@RealDGunnNBCS) August 9, 2018
One of the biggest takeaways here is that Donnel Pumphrey is not playing. That’s not a good sign for the 2017 fourth-round pick. He really needs to build a case for his roster spot with a strong summer showing.
It’s unclear why Pump isn’t playing. He was a participant in Tuesday’s practice. Maybe he tweaked something in the Eagles’ Wednesday walk-through.
The good news for Pump is that one of his fellow competitors for the fourth running back job also appears to be out. Matt Jones is not suited up. That means there will be plenty of playing time for the likes of undrafted free agent Josh Adams and Wendell Smallwood.
Markus Wheaton being out is also noticeable. He missed two practices earlier this week and appeared to tweak something during his first day back. The battle for the fifth and sixth wide receiver spots is a tight one. He’s in danger of falling behind while other players stand out. Good news for Shelton Gibson, Bryce Treggs, Rashard Davis, Greg Ward Jr., and Tim Wilson. Also worth noting that none of the Eagles’ starting wide receivers (Alshon Jeffery, Mike Wallace, Nelson Agholor) are playing.
With Carson Wentz and Nick Foles out, as expected, Nate Sudfeld will start at quarterback.