Predicting Eagles Starters vs. Patriots for NFL Preseason Game 2

The joint practices with the New England Patriots took center stage for the Philadelphia Eagles this week. There is still a preseason game to be played -- which takes place on Saturday.

If you thought Week 1 of the preseason was boring, you're in for a real treat this weekend. The starters participated in the joint practices (and that's where the focus was this week), so the second team and third team will see a lot of action on Saturday.

Add in the very vanilla offense the Eagles will run and it will be difficult for you to tune in for three hours. Well, that's what we're here for.

Who's going to start against the Patriots? We'll take an educated guess at it.

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QB -- Andy Dalton

Dalton has been getting the majority of the second-team reps, even though he's been switching the first reps with the second team against Tanner McKee. Dalton built a slight lead over McKee this week in practice for the QB2 job, and can look to extend that with a good game on Saturday.

RB -- Tank Bigsby

The Eagles are thin at running back with Dameon Pierce still down with a hamstring injury, so Bigsby gets a few snaps this week before Will Shipley takes over. Both Bigsby and Shipley have come alive this summer, mainly Shipley over the past few practices. The Eagles could limit both players based on the running back depth.

WR -- Hollywood Brown

Brown had a good string of practices, but he's still fighting for a roster spot. He'll get a few series on the first team on Saturday, with an opportunity to catch some passes -- if Dalton or McKee can get them to him consistently.

WR -- Darius Cooper

Cooper will get an extended look on Saturday after being with the second team in practice all week. He's still fighting for a roster spot, especially with Brown coming along in recent practices.

WR -- Elijah Moore

Moore will get another look in the preseason game after being with the first team offense in practice this week. He had an impressive showing and is right in line for a roster spot.

TE -- Eli Stowers

Stowers started the first preseason game and needs all the reps he can get. He has struggled this summer and there have been signs of improvement, but the Eagles need that athleticism to show on tape.

LT -- Fred Johnson

Johnson was with the second team on the offensive line this week and the Eagles want to give Markel Bell as many reps as possible at right tackle. Bell is the No. 3 tackle right now.

LG -- Drew Kendall

Kendall is the No. 3 guard and can play left guard, right guard, and center. With John Ojwkuu (pectoral) on the mend, the Eagles will likely have Kendall at left guard on Saturday.

C -- Willie Lampkin

Lampkin can play guard and does have a spot on this team as an interior lineman, but he needs more snaps at center -- and that's likely where he projects in the NFL. With Kendall at guard, Lampkin gets a longer look at center this week.

RG -- Jake Majors

The Eagles may want to give Majors a longer look here, but Michael Jordan could be the option at right guard. Both are battling for a roster spot, probably the last one on the line with Ojukwu out.

RT -- Markel Bell

Bell gets the start at right tackle and will likely play the majority of the game there. The Eagles have liked Bell's development at the position and more game reps are paramount this preseason.

DE -- Arnold Ebiketie

Hunt and Smith didn't play in the opener, and both did well in the joint practice. They likely aren't playing this week if they didn't play Week 1. Ebiketie gets the starter snaps this week again.

DT -- Ty Robinson

Robinson is getting a long look at defensive tackle this week, even getting some first-team reps with Byron Young (shoulder) missing Thursday's practice. He might play the most snaps out of anyone on the defensive front.

DT -- Gabe Hall

With Byron Young on the mend, Hall gets the start here. His roster odds are long, but Hall has had a good camp. Remember, these guys are auditioning for other teams too.

DE -- A.J. Epenesa

Epenesa has had a good summer and that will continue with more game reps in the second preseason game. He and Ebiketie will likely play the first half.

LB -- Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

We're at the point where the Eagles don't need to see Trotter Jr. play in these preseason games, yet he's not a starter and someone has to play at off-ball linebacker.

LB -- Smael Mondon

Jihaad Campbell started the preseason opener, but the Eagles had joint practices this week. They saw enough from Campbell with the first team in those sessions. Mondon earns extended playing time on Saturday.

CB -- Kelee Ringo

The Eagles are thin at cornerback, so expect a long look at Ringo in this one. Ringo is still on the roster bubble, but a strong preseason performance (like last week) can go a long way towards making the team.

CB -- Tariq Castro-Fields

Castro-Fields has been battling through a shin injury, and the Eagles are thin at cornerback. He's still a long shot to make the team, but Castro-Fields has a chance with all these injuries piling up. Castro-Fields can play his way into the roster conversation.

CB -- Mac McWilliams

Expect McWilliams to play over 50 snaps on defense again. That's how thin the Eagles are at cornerback, and he'll take as many snaps as possible. McWilliams will be the guinea pig again this week.

S -- Michael Carter

Wouldn't expect Marcus Epps to play again after the starters had a full week in joint practice. This is set up for Carter to get some playing time in the first half. He may be pulled early since he's making the roster.

S -- Andre Sam

Sam is the clubhouse leader for the No. 4 safety, and should get a lot of snaps on Saturday. The Eagles will want to get a look at Cole Wisniewski and Maximus Pulley too, which are Sam's biggest competitors for a roster spot -- if the Eagles keep four safeties.

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