Will any starters play for Eagles in preseason final vs. the Minnesota Vikings

So here we are, gearing up for the last preseason matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Minnesota Vikings. If you’re expecting to see Jalen Hurts or any of the other starters out there, think again. This is the final tune-up before the real games begin, and the Eagles are playing it safe. That doesn’t mean there’s nothing to watch for, though. On the contrary, this game is all about those fringe players trying to make the team, and the few with something to prove.

First up, the quarterback battle that’s not really a battle, but it kind of is. Kenny Pickett and Tanner McKee have both had their moments - or lack thereof - this preseason. Pickett hasn’t exactly lit it up, holding the ball too long and missing his marks, while McKee looked solid in the last game. It’s hard to shake the feeling that McKee should be Hurts’ backup, but Pickett’s still getting most of the second-team reps in practice. The Eagles don’t have to make a decision until the regular season kicks off, but you can bet both guys will be giving it everything they’ve got in this one.

Then there’s the rest of the roster - those players fighting tooth and nail for one of the last spots. Keep your eyes peeled for guys like Patrick Johnson and Ainias Smith. They’re the ones who have been busting it all camp and are now down to the wire. These are the stories we don’t always see, the guys whose careers can hinge on a single game. It’s make-or-break time, and they know it.

Let’s not forget the rookies, either. The Eagles have five of them who are pretty much locks to have roles this season - Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Jalyx Hunt, Will Shipley, and Jeremiah Trotter. These guys will contribute, some more than others, but this game is about getting them one last look before they settle into their respective roles. On the flip side, there are a few rookies who probably won’t see much action once the season starts, barring any surprises. Saturday might be your last chance to see them in green for a while.

Now, here’s where things get interesting: potential trade bait. This final game isn’t just about making the team - it’s also about showing other teams what you’ve got. The Eagles might be looking to move a few guys before the regular season starts. Eli Ricks is one of those players who might be good enough to make the roster, but there might not be room for him. And Kenny Pickett? If McKee locks down that No. 2 spot, Pickett could be on the move.

Of course, trades in the NFL aren’t easy to pull off, especially this late in the game, but it’s something to watch for. There’s always the possibility that a player flashes enough potential to make another team pick up the phone.

Finally, let’s talk about this undefeated preseason business. The Eagles are on the brink of going a perfect 3-0 in the preseason, which might sound like a good thing - until you remember the 2008 Detroit Lions and 2017 Cleveland Browns, who also went undefeated in the preseason and then went winless when it really mattered. Superstition? Maybe. But if you’re an Eagles fan, you might be okay with them taking a loss on Saturday if it means avoiding that particular curse.

So, while you won’t see the big names on the field this weekend, there’s still plenty to keep your eye on. Whether it’s McKee trying to prove he’s the real deal, or a bubble player making his last stand, there’s a lot on the line for these guys. And who knows? Maybe we’ll even see a trade or two before the dust settles.