The Philadelphia Eagles are coming into their final preseason game with some roster battles still going, as Tim Tebow and Matt Barkley are still competing, while Kenjon Barner will get another chance to impress Chip Kelly. Sam Bradford is in as the starter for Week 1 of the season ahead of backup Mark Sanchez and whoever loses the Tebow-Barkley battle could be out of Philadelphia.
The Eagles are playing against the Jets for the final game of the preseason and Matt Barkley reportedly will start that game. According to USA Today, Bradford and Sanchez likely will not play in the final preseason game and that gives Tebow and Barkley the chance to play a significant amount of time. Tebow could play the second half after Barkley starts and depending on how the game goes, Kelly could make a decision quickly about the third string quarterback.
Teams will have to cut down to 53 players very soon and Kelly is unlikely to keep four quarterbacks for this season. Four running backs is possible with the way Kenjon Barner has played, but no decision has been made yet. Kelly said to CSN Philly that Barner was making a "push" to stay on the roster and he could contribute on special teams as a fourth running back. Barner has been impressive returning punts, taking two back for touchdowns in the preseason.
According to Dianna Marie Russini at ESPN, Kelly is "excited" about having Tebow on the roster and if he doesn't make any major errors through the preseason, he has a good chance of beating Barkley. Barkley has been solid through the preseason, but he has not taken hold of the job over Tebow, who has also mostly been okay. Tebow rushed for a touchdown and has thrown for 97 yards and if he sticks around, Kelly will likely use him for his legs as much as his arm.
The running back situation is already three deep with DeMarco Murray, Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles, but Kenjon Barner could make his way onto the roster. Barner will have to keep contributing on special teams to make that happen and while he likely would not get many carries in the crowded backfield, Kelly could look at keeping his old Oregon RB around. Nelson Agholor and Jordan Matthews are starting at receiver and they are the best fantasy options for the Eagles.
Barkley has reportedly been on the trade block for the Eagles this summer, but that may be just t gauge interest before eventually cutting the QB if he loses out to Tebow. Barkley did not get much work last season behind Mark Sanchez despite Nick Foles missing half the year and now he is battling with Tebow for his job. Philly.com writes that Barkley is in a "tough spot" heading into the final preseason game, as he could be beaten out by Tebow for the third string job after being a decently high pick for Kelly.
Barkley had chances to compete for more playing time, but that has not happened and now Kelly could keep Tebow for his versatility. Bradford is also prepared to start the season and said his knee feels good for Week 1. Mark Sanchez will be the backup and now the main battle left is Tebow and Barkley at third string.
Check here for more on the Eagles heading into the final preseason game.
