The Philadelphia Eagles began their season with a roster decision that immediately caught the attention of fans and analysts, making headlines before their Thursday night showdown with the Dallas Cowboys. Ahead of their highly anticipated Thursday night matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, the team promoted Patrick Johnson from the practice squad while leaving both Azeez Ojulari and Ogbo Okoronkwo inactive. This surprising move has sparked debate about whether the decision reflects a deliberate strategic gamble by defensive coordinator Vic Fangio or if it highlights concerns about the depth and …readiness of Philadelphia’s defensive front. Johnson’s elevation pairs him with Josh Uche as backup support for starters Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt, but sidelining Ojulari and Okoronkwo—projected early contributors—has amplified scrutiny of the Eagles’ strategy.
The Eagles’ approach comes amid offseason reports that they explored the possibility of acquiring Cowboys superstar Micah Parsons, a deal that ultimately never materialized but underscored Philadelphia’s desire to bolster its pass rush. With only four dedicated edge defenders available, Fangio may be forced to rely on creative adjustments, such as using preseason standout Gabe Hall on the outside or sliding versatile defensive linemen like Moro Ojomo or Jalen Carter into edge roles during certain packages. While such flexibility could offer schematic advantages, it also carries risk, particularly against Dallas’s explosive offense.
Beyond the edge rusher situation, the Eagles’ inactive list highlighted growing concerns about their rookie class, as several recent draft picks were sidelined in Week 1.Backup quarterback Tanner McKee, offensiveOffensive linemen Drew Kendall, Cameron Williams, and Kenyon Green, along with rookie defensive tackle Ty Robinson, were all inactive, signaling that Philadelphia may be emphasizing long-term development over immediate contributions.
That means three of the team’s ten draft selections from this spring are already inactive, a sign that development may be prioritized over immediate contributions. To address depth concerns, the Eagles have also scheduled a workout with former Saints second-round pick Isaiah Foskey, a 6-foot-5, 275-pound defensive end out of Notre Dame who could provide much-needed experience.
As the season unfolds, Philadelphia’s handling of its defensive rotation will be a storyline worth following. Thursday’s opener against the Cowboys may serve not only as the first test of Fangio’s defensive schemes but also as an early glimpse into a larger experiment that could shape the identity of the Eagles’ pass rush throughout 2025.
