Eagles vs. Browns Preseason Preview: Deshaun Watson OUT, Jalen Hurts Status

The Philadelphia Eagles host the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday night.

The Philadelphia Eagles host the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday night in the second of their three preseason games. 

After a couple lively joint practices on Monday and Tuesday this week, this matchup is highlighted by a deeper look at a few preseason standouts and a high-profile Eagles rookie class that includes first-round selections in defensive tackle Jalen Carter and EDGE Nolan Smith.

The joint practices featured starters vs. starters. 

“Cleveland was probably happy with how they performed (Monday) and we had a little bit more grit to us (Tuesday),” said center Jason Kelce. “You have to come out here with that intensity every day, and it’s a good wake-up call to be honest with you.”

As of Wednesday evening, it's not been announced what coach Nick Sirianni has planned in regard to playing his starters, most notably quarterback Jalen Hurts. … so while we assume Hurts sits, we will monitor.

However, major playing time for Philadelphia's rookies and backups remains an intriguing aspect of the team's second preseason game. Some face an uphill battle in terms of making the roster. Others, such as Carter and Smith, could be making a case for starting snaps.

Safety Sydney Brown made a splash last Saturday, leading the Eagles with nine tackles against the Baltimore Ravens. While Carter only played two snaps against Baltimore, he nearly had a sack on his first NFL play. In a crowded running back room, new Philadelphia ball carrier D'Andre Swift also stated his case for being an important part of the offense

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will not be playing on Thursday night, according to coach Kevin Stefanski, who said that none of the team’s other established starters will be playing either.

Philly's many roster hopefuls try to earn their spot before Tuesday, Aug. 29, when every NFL team must reduce its roster to no more than 53 players. Philadelphia's 16-player practice squad will then begin to form.

RECORDS: Philadelphia Eagles (0-1 preseason) vs. Cleveland Browns (1-1)

ODDS: Philadelphia is a 3.5-point favorite vs. the Browns.

GAME TIME: Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, 7:30 p.m. ET

LOCATION: LINCOLN FINANCIAL FIELD, Philadelphia, Penn.

TV/RADIO: NBC, SportsRadio 94WIP

THE FINAL WORD: Eagles rookie Nolan Smith's new nickname is 'Baby Haason' after being tutored by Philly pass-rush standout Haason Reddick.

“I love it,” said Reddick. “Even when he was coming in, he was like, ‘Man I’m here to watch you, I’m here to learn from you, I’m excited to have this opportunity to be able to learn from you.’”

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