Eagles surprise fans with risky inactive list against Cowboys, sparking questions ahead of season’s opening night clash

The Philadelphia Eagles kicked off their season with a roster move that raised eyebrows. Ahead of Thursday night’s clash against the Dallas Cowboys, the team elevated Patrick Johnson from the practice squad but sat both Azeez Ojulari and Ogbo Okoronkwo.

The decision left fans and analysts debating whether this was a strategic gamble or a signal of how the coaching staff views their defensive depth.

Eagles shuffle edge rushers for opening week

Johnson’s call-up means he and Josh Uche will back up starters Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt on the edge. While the move might seem routine, the inactives list tells a bigger story. Ojulari and Okoronkwo, both expected to contribute early, were surprisingly sidelined. This comes on the heels of a report that the Eagles explored a blockbuster trade for Cowboys star Micah Parsons over the summer.

Whether those talks advanced or were quickly dismissed by Dallas owner Jerry Jones remains unclear, but the interest itself speaks volumes.

With just four edge rushers available, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio may lean on creativity. Gabe Hall, who flashed on the edge in preseason, could rotate outside. Moro Ojomo or even standout defensive tackle Jalen Carter might slide over in certain packages, adding versatility but also risk.

The strategy suggests the Eagles want flexibility more than sheer numbers at the position.

Eagles inactive list highlights draft depth concerns

Beyond the edge rusher surprise, the Eagles’ inactives also included backup quarterback Tanner McKee, linemen Drew Kendall, Cameron Williams, and Kenyon Green, plus rookie defensive tackle Ty Robinson. Notably, three of the ten draft picks from this spring are already sidelined in Week 1—a sign that development, rather than immediate impact, may define this rookie class.Adding to the intrigue, former Saints second-rounder Isaiah Foskey is scheduled for a workout with Philadelphia next week. At 6-foot-5 and 275 pounds, the Notre Dame product could be an intriguing addition if the Eagles want more proven depth on the edge.As the season unfolds, the Eagles’ handling of their pass-rushing unit will be worth watching closely. Thursday’s opener might just be the first glimpse of a larger defensive experiment under Fangio’s system.Also Read: Eagles vs Cowboys season opener hit by shock Streameast takedown hours before kickoff