Inquirer.com – Zurich DR

Author: Rob Tornoe

  • Eagles roster cuts: Initial 53-man roster includes four quarterbacks; Birds waive both ‘foreign exchange students’

    Eagles roster cuts: Initial 53-man roster includes four quarterbacks; Birds waive both ‘foreign exchange students’

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 6:32pm

    Eagles keep four QBs on their roster… for now

    (From left) Andy Dalton, Cole Payton and Tanner McKee all made the Eagles’ roster.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    The Eagles, for now, have punted on their backup quarterback decision.

    Howie Roseman didn’t move either Andy Dalton or Tanner McKee before the 6 p.m. roster deadline Sunday night, and the Eagles went the unconventional route of keeping four quarterbacks on the initial 53-man roster.

    They aren’t the only team. The Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, and Atlanta Falcons also kept four quarterbacks on their rosters.

    Neither Dalton nor McKee grabbed the backup job by the horns during training camp. McKee struggled in Friday’s preseason finale while Dalton looked better than his two previous performances.

    Still, Roseman was unable to find a trade partner – assuming he tried – before the roster deadline Sunday night.

    The Eagles don’t open the season for two more weeks, so Roseman has time to sort out the roster situation at quarterback. Roseman and Nick Sirianni will meet with reporters Monday (at a time to be determined).

    Keeping four quarterbacks also means the Eagles were unwilling to waive rookie fifth-round pick Cole Payton, who led only four drives during preseason games as the Eagles mostly gave reps to the quarterbacks competing to back up Jalen Hurts. Payton would have had to clear waivers. He was turnover-prone throughout camp, but the Eagles decided to commit to developing him, at least for now.

    They waived sixth-round pick Kyle McCord last year after a shaky training camp. McCord was on the practice squad last season before signing with Green Bay. The Mount Laurel native had a solid preseason with the Packers and was traded Sunday to Miami for a 2028 sixth-round pick.

    — Jeff Neiburg

    // Pinned

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 6:10pm

    Eagles 53-man roster

    Jalen Hurts has three backup quarterbacks on the Eagles’ initial 53-man roster.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    The Eagles’ initial 53-man roster:

    Quarterback

    Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, Andy Dalton, Cole Payton

    Running back

    Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, Will Shipley

    Wide receiver

    DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon, Dontayvion Wicks, Elijah Moore, Darius Cooper, Hollywood Brown

    Tight end

    Dallas Goedert, Johnny Mundt, E.J. Jenkins, Eli Stowers

    Offensive line

    Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata, Cam Jurgens, Landon Dickerson, Tyler Steen, Willie Lampkin, Drew Kendall, Markel Bell, Fred Johnson, Micah Morris

    Interior defensive line

    Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Byron Young, Ty Robinson

    Defensive end/outside linebacker

    Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, Arnold Ebiketie, Jonathan Greenard, A.J. Epenesa

    Inside linebacker

    Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Smael Mondon Jr.

    Cornerback

    Quinyon Mitchell, Riq Woolen, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, Mac McWilliams, Jonathan Jones

    Safety

    Andrew Mukuba, Marcus Epps, Michael Carter II

    Specialist

    Jake Elliott (kicker), Braden Mann (punter), Rocco Underwood (long snapper)

    Eagles reveal 53-man roster, keep four quarterbacks amid roster cuts

    — Rob Tornoe

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 6:25pm

    All the Eagles roster moves and cuts

    International Player Pathway athlete Uar Bernard was among those cut Sunday. Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL

    The Eagles announced the release of the following players:

    • LB Chance Campbell
    • WR Britain Covey
    • WR Danny Gray
    • OLB Tarron Jackson
    • G Michael Jordan
    • RB Dameon Pierce
    • TE Stone Smartt
    • CB Ambry Thomas
    • CB Shaun Wade
    • WR Quez Watkins

    The team also announced they waived the following players:

    • DT Uar Bernard
    • DT David Blay
    • CB Isaiah Bolden
    • C Zeke Correll
    • WR Erik Ezukanma
    • LB Brandon George
    • DB Kapena Gushiken
    • DT Gabe Hall
    • T/G Myles Hinton
    • OLB Keyshawn James-Newby
    • TE Cameron Latu
    • LB Deontae Lawson
    • DB Jaylen Mahoney
    • C/G Jake Majors
    • RB Jordan Mims
    • T John Ojukwu
    • S Maximus Pulley
    • OLB Jose Ramirez
    • S Andre’ Sam (injured)
    • RB Carson Steele
    • WR Samari Toure
    • WR Tahj Washington
    • OLB Joshua Weru
    • T Cameron Williams
    • DT Zion Wilson
    • S Cole Wisniewski

    Two players were designated to return from the reserve/injured list, meaning they’ll miss at least the first four games:

    • CB Jakorian Bennett
    • TE Grant Calcaterra

    — Rob Tornoe

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 6:21pm

    Eagles waive both ‘foreign exchange students.’ They can only protect one.

    Joshua Weru and Uar Bernard (not pictured) were long shots to make the team.Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer

    Vic Fangio wasn’t wrong when he warned time after time that Uar Bernard and Joshua Weru – the two first-time football players that joined the Eagles this offseason – have “a long way to go.”

    The Eagles used a seventh-round pick on Bernard, a defensive tackle from Nigeria with off-the-charts athleticism. They signed Weru, a Kenyan rugby convert, as an undrafted free agent. Neither had played a padded football game before the Eagles and Ravens met in the first preseason game earlier this month, and getting on the field in a real NFL game is a whole different beast.

    But the Eagles’ decision to waive both players ahead of the 6 p.m. roster deadline Sunday means they’ll only be able to protect one of them, and they may not even get to develop either of them if another NFL team decides to claim them off waivers and put them on their 53-man roster.

    That result is unlikely. Again, as Fangio says, his “exchange students” are a long way away from being ready to play in NFL games. But assuming both of them clear waivers, the Eagles will only be able to designate one of them as an IPP player, and the other would be free to sign to another team’s active roster at any point during the season.

    That’s obviously a risk Howie Roseman was willing to take.

    While Bernard was the more talked about prospect after the Eagles used a draft pick on him, it was Weru, an edge rusher, who flashed more during camp and in the preseason contests. If one of the two was going to get cut, Bernard seemed like the more likely candidate given the possibility the Eagles could use Weru on special teams.

    Instead, the Eagles kept five edge rushers on the roster: Jonathan Greenard; Jalyx Hunt; Nolan Smith; Arnold Ebiketie; and A.J. Epenesa.

    In leaving Bernard off the roster, the Eagles also kept just five interior linemen: Jalen Carter; Jordan Davis; Moro Ojomo; Byron Young; and Ty Robinson.

    — Jeff Neiburg

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 5:56pm

    Giants reportedly releasing former No. 7 overall pick

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 4:49pm

    Odell Beckham Jr. reportedly lands on Giants’ 53-man roster

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 4:01pm

    Aaron Donald returning to the Rams

    Aaron Donald and the Los Angeles Rams will face the Eagles in Week 4.DAVID MAIALETTI / Staff Photographer

    Aaron Donald is unretiring to return to the Los Angeles Rams, where he’ll play alongside reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett.

    Donald, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, signed a one-year deal that could end up being worth $30 million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

    The Eagles host the Rams at the Link in Week 4, but Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk thinks its possible Donald might delay his return to the field until Week 5:

    — Rob Tornoe

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 4:09pm

    Micah Parsons won’t play first four games for Packers

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 3:42pm

    Cowboys waive ex-Eagles draft pick

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 3:35pm

    Eagles reportedly waive LB Keyshawn James-Newby

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 2:54pm

    Titans waive QB Will Levis: NFL Network

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 2:23pm

    Packers RB Josh Jacobs placed on exempt list, faces two misdemeanor charges

    The Athletic: Josh Jacobs incident report details alleged battery against girlfriend

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 2:10pm

    Eagles release RB Daemon Pierce: ESPN

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 11:55am

    Dolphins reportedly trade for ex-Eagles quarterback

    Former Eagles quarterback Kyle McCord appears to be headed to Miami.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    The Miami Dolphins, according to ESPN, are acquiring Green Bay Packers quarterback Kyle McCord for a 2028 sixth-round pick.

    That probably eliminates Miami from the list of teams the Eagles could get a draft asset for in exchange for Andy Dalton or Tanner McKee.

    McCord, a Mount Laurel native, was a sixth-round pick by the Eagles last year but did not make the team out of camp. He spent the season on the practice squad before signing with the Packers.

    McCord performed well in the preseason. He completed 22 of 35 pass attempts Friday night for 226 yards and four touchdowns. McCord will be the only other quarterback on Miami’s roster besides Malik Willis, meaning the soon-to-be-24-year-old could be in line to be the primary backup.

    The Dolphins may still need another quarterback, though. They traded Quinn Ewers on Saturday and reportedly waived both Cam Miller and Mark Gronkowski on Sunday. It’s hard to imagine they’d part with more draft capital for another quarterback, though.

    In Miami, McCord reunites with former Eagles offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo, who is Miami’s pass game coordinator.

    — Jeff Neiburg

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 10:56am

    Carson Steele and the mirage of preseason football games

    Carson Steele runs for a touchdown during the Eagles final preseason game. Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    No Eagles skill position player touched the ball more during the team’s three preseason games than Carson Steele. After getting only one carry in the first game, Steele had 18 touches in the second contest and 16 Friday night.

    The 23-year-old running back, signed in free agency after spending some time with Kansas City over the last two seasons, Steele was the best offensive player on the Eagles in losses to New England and Cincinnati. He had just 33 yards on 12 carries vs. the Patriots, but he turned six catches into 84 yards and made two highlight-reel hurdles, including one that helped him reach the end zone.

    Then he rushed eight times for 24 yards Friday and caught eight passes for 52 yards and another touchdown as Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton spent most of their shifts checking the ball down when they dropped back to pass.

    Steele, who was waived Saturday, was one of the few bright spots on an offense that mostly struggled throughout the exhibitions, and it was fair to wonder if 6-foot, 228-pound back could push for a roster spot — especially given his potential to play fullback.

    But that’s the problem with the preseason: Eagles fans only get to see such a small part of what’s going on, and what Howie Roseman, Nick Sirianni, and the rest of the team’s decision makers are watching when they’re whittling down the roster to 53 players.

    The Eagles practiced 17 times in training camp and played just three games. The exhibition games, then, make up 15% of what the Eagles are evaluating.

    So, while standing out in two of the three games — 10% of the evaluation period — isn’t unimportant, it’s too small of a sample.

    That’s not to say Steele was bad in practice. He was fine. But the Eagles didn’t really have room for him with Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, and Will Shipley in front of him on the depth chart. There are other roster needs, and they don’t seem to have the luxury of keeping a fourth running back on the roster.

    But he can play fullback!

    So can Cameron Latu, who could be on his way to a roster spot at tight end and is a solid special teamer.

    The Eagles probably won’t mind Steele clearing waivers and finding his way onto their practice squad, though.

    — Jeff Neiburg

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 10:12am

    Dolphins suddenly need help at quarterback

    The Dolphins need a backup quarterback after trading Quinn Ewers and waiving Cam Miller (not pictured)Lynne Sladky

    The Miami Dolphins are in the market for a quarterback after they traded Quinn Ewers to Jacksonville on Saturday and waived Cam Miller Sunday morning.

    Howie Roseman has probably scrolled his way to Jon-Eric Sullivan in his contacts list.

    The Eagles likely are trying to trade either Andy Dalton or Tanner McKee, and the Dolphins are one of a few teams in need of some quarterback help.

    But here’s another angle to consider: Are the Eagles one of the teams in need of quarterback help?

    Neither one of their backup quarterback options shined in camp, and McKee on Friday night looked sort of lost while Dalton performed better than he had in previous preseason contests.

    Still, it’s possible the Eagles could fetch a late-round pick for either player. Dalton’s body of work and his ability to mentor a younger quarterback – in Miami’s case, Malik Willis – could be more valuable.

    The Eagles could find themselves in an awkward position later on Sunday if they’re unable to move a quarterback or don’t trade for one themselves. Would they keep both Dalton and McKee on the initial roster? Would that mean keeping four quarterbacks? Would that mean waiving fifth-round pick Cole Payton and exposing him to waivers?

    The clock is ticking.

    — Jeff Neiburg

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 9:25am

    Dolphins now in the market for a backup QB

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 7:35am

    Who will be the Eagles’ backup quarterback?

    Jalen Hurts (right) walks to the field with Tanner McKee (left) and Andy Dalton (center) behind him.David Maialetti / Staff Photographer

    The winner of the No. 2 job is still unclear. Can both lose?

    Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton have been that uninspiring. The preseason finale offered more questionable quarterback play. There have been only glimmers.

    McKee got his first start of this preseason after Dalton started the first two games. He played the entire first half. It was a brutal watch. McKee completed 12 of 22 passes, but for only 55 yards. He underthrew and overthrew receivers, looked timid in the pocket, and ultimately became a check-down artist.

    McKee didn’t exactly have the best players around him. There were several drops, one that resulted in his lone interception. But receivers were also schemed open. Britain Covey got separation off a nifty double move for a would-be touchdown, but McKee completely overshot him.

    Dalton took over in the second half. Like McKee last week vs. the New England Patriots, he outplayed his competition in relief. He completed 12 of 19 passes for 104 yards and a touchdown — and with a few lesser players at certain spots.

    Dalton had some shaky moments, too. And when given the opportunity to engineer a go-ahead, fourth-quarter drive, he and the offense couldn’t get the job done.

    Rookie Cole Payton came in late in the fourth quarter. He continued to hold the ball too long when he dropped. His passing wasn’t much better. In Payton’s defense, he hasn’t practiced much the last few weeks. The Eagles will take a long view with the fifth-round draft pick.

    Payton must really want to play, though. He was in on the cover unit for the Eagles’ first punt.

    McLane’s roster prediction at quarterback

    • Quarterbacks (3): Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, Cole Payton.
    • Traded: Andy Dalton.

    Dalton’s play this summer hasn’t earned him the No. 2 job. McKee has been only marginally better, but has shown improvement. The best man doesn’t always win. But the educated guess here is that Roseman will trade Dalton to a backup-needy team — of which there are many. He may need to keep all four quarterbacks past Sunday’s deadline to get what he wants in return, however.

    Payton has displayed more than last year’s rookie project — Kyle McCord — and probably wouldn’t pass through waivers if the Eagles consider stowing him on the practice squad.

    Eagles 53-man roster prediction: How tough decisions at wide receiver, tight end and D-line will shake out

    — Jeff McLane

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 2:13pm

    2026 Eagles roster cut tracker

    Eagles running back Carson Steele is among those that won’t earn a roster spot.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    The Eagles are in the process of reducing their roster down to 53 players by Sunday’s 6 p.m. deadline.

    Here are all the players the Eagles are expected to waive, according to sources and other reports:

    Offense

    Defense

    — Rob Tornoe

    Eagles 2026 schedule

    Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Here’s the Eagles’ complete 2026 schedule:

    • Week 1: Commanders at Eagles — Sunday, Sept. 13, 4:25 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 2: Eagles at Titans — Sunday, Sept. 20, 1 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 3: Eagles at Bears — Monday, Sept. 28, 8:15 p.m. (ABC, ESPN)
    • Week 4: Rams at Eagles — Sunday, Oct. 4, 1 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 5: Eagles at Jaguars (London) — Sunday, Oct. 11, 9:30 a.m. (NFL Network)
    • Week 6: Panthers at Eagles — Sunday, Oct. 18, 1 p.m. (CBS)
    • Week 7: Cowboys at Eagles — Monday, Oct. 26, 8:15 p.m. (ABC, ESPN)
    • Week 8: Eagles at Commanders — Sunday, Nov. 1, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
    • Week 9: Giants at Eagles — Sunday, Nov. 8, 1 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 10: Bye week
    • Week 11: Steelers at Eagles — Sunday, Nov. 22, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
    • Week 12: Eagles at Cowboys — Thursday, Nov. 26, 4:30 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 13: Eagles at Cardinals — Sunday, Dec. 6, 4:05 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 14: Colts at Eagles — Sunday, Dec. 13, 1 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 15: Seahawks at Eagles — Saturday, Dec. 19, 5 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 16: Texans at Eagles — Thursday, Dec. 24, 8:15 p.m. (Prime Video)
    • Week 17: Eagles at 49ers — Sunday, Jan. 3, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
    • Week 18: Eagles at Giants — TBD (TBD)

    — Rob Tornoe

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 7:33am

  • Philly Cycling Classic: Tim Torn Teutenberg wins men’s race; Chiara Consonni victorious in women’s race

    Philly Cycling Classic: Tim Torn Teutenberg wins men’s race; Chiara Consonni victorious in women’s race

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 4:52pm

    After 10 years, a glorious return to Philly

    // Pinned

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 4:40pm

    Tim Torn Teutenberg wins men’s race at Philly Cycling Classic

    Tim Torn Teutenberg raises his arms as he crosses the finish line to win the men’s race Sunday. Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    German cyclist Tim Torn Teutenberg cross the finish line first to win the men’s race at the first Philadelphia Cycling Classic in 10 years.

    “It was a super good atmosphere today,” Teutenberg told 6abc following his victory, comparing it to the prestigious Tour of Flanders in Belgium.

    Teutenberg finished the 120-mile race in just under four hours and 21 minutes. American cyclist Riley Sheehan finished fourth, coming in about 22 seconds behind the leaders.

    Here are the top five finishers:

    • Tim Torn Teutenberg (Germany): 4:20:55
    • Robert Donaldson (Great Britain): 4:20:55
    • Jonas Rutsch (Germany): 4:20:55
    • Riley Sheehan (U.S.): 4:21:17

    — Rob Tornoe

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 4:00pm

    Fans sticking around, even through some rain

    Rain falls in Manayunk during the Philadelphia Cycling Classic Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026.Michelle Myers

    Rain began to empty Levering Street Monday afternoon, but many fans remained to watch the Cycling Classic, some following the race closely on their screens.

    Other than a spot shower here or there, the greatest chance of rain in Philadelphia is later tonight, according to the National Weather Service.

    — Michelle Myers, Rob Tornoe

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 3:24pm

    Crash sends cyclist to the hospital

    A crash between Ezra Caudell and Milan Menten on Kelly Drive knocked Caudell unconscious a little under two and a half hours into the race.

    Caudell has since regained consciousness and is on his way to the hospital to be assessed, according to 6abc’s broadcast.

    — Mia Messina

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 2:29pm

    Fans still cheering cyclists at the Manayunk Wall

    Almost two and a half hours since the start of the men’s race, fans at the Manayunk Wall are not done cheering:

    — Michelle Myers

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 1:35pm

    And out comes the champagne

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 1:22pm

    He grew tired of race crowds. Now he’s thrilled the Cycling Classic is back.

    Thomas Gartside watches the Cycling Classic in Manayunk.Michelle My

    Thomas Gartside, 77, remembers feeling a bit tired of the crowds coming to his Manayunk block on race day. The decade-long hiatus changed his perspective.

    “I remember the first race, it was amazing: No one was here and they had a helicopter,” said Gartside, who moved by the Manayunk Wall a year before the inaugural 1985 race.

    Over the years, he said, the race expanded and his block got more crowded. By 2016, he didn’t come outside to witness the spectacle, unaware the cyclists’ return would be an uphill battle.

    On Sunday, seeing the street packed with hundreds of cheerful people brought joy back to Gartside, who decided to hold his own small gathering with bagels and coffee.

    “I got a little tired of it, but this is reinvigorating,” Gartside said staring at the crowd standing shoulder to shoulder outside his door. “Look at all the energy and all the neighbors.”

    — Michelle Myers

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 12:27pm

    Philly couple has a message for men climbing the Manayunk Wall

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 8:35am

    Philly Cycling Classic: Livestream

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 12:16pm

    Kim Stoveld, a Philly native, on her unusual path to Cycling Classic

    Kim Stoveld didn’t start cycling until her late 30s.Courtesy / Automatic Racing Team

    Kim Stoveld, a Philadelphia native, took an unconventional route to appear in the Cycling Classic.

    The former University at Buffalo swimmer did not pick up competitive cycling until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Six years later, she placed 71st in her hometown race with a time of 2:37:59.

    “I watched this race in 2013, 2014, ’15, and ’16 when it was still going on, and I was just getting into cycling,” Stoveld said. “And then to be on the other side of it, 10 years later, is just like a dream come true. Just absolutely amazing.”

    Stoveld looked to break away from the main pack of cyclists in the final stretch, but failed to will herself to the front.

    “I am a breakaway rider,” Stoveld said. “My best bet is to win in a small break, and unfortunately, being caught by world tour teams was probably inevitable. But that was my shot, and I was happy to shoot it.”

    One section of the race Stoveld had a leg-up in over some of her competition was Manayunk’s “The Wall” — which sees riders climb 210 feet at a steep incline. Stoveld hosts a “group ride” every Tuesday, noting that “those poor suckers” who sign up for her ride take on the Wall with her every week.

    One reporter asked Stoveld what her advice would be to young women looking to take up cycling.

    “If I can do this good in my late 30s, picking it up at 30, you as an 8-year-old getting into sports will dominate,” Stoveld said. “Please keep riding your bike”

    — Conor Smith

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 12:05pm

    Men’s race underway

    Spectators watch at Main and Levering Streets in Manayunk as the men’s race makes their first full lap.David Maialetti / Staff Photographer

    The women have finished their Philadelphia Cycling Classic race. Now it’s the men’s turn.

    The 120-mile men’s race began shortly after noon on the Ben Franklin Parkway. The cyclists will complete eight laps around the 14-mile course.

    — Rob Tornoe

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 11:40am

    Chiara Consonni wins women’s race at Philly Cycling Classic

    Chiara Consonni smiles after winning the women’s race in the Philadelphia Cycling Classic.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    The women’s race in the first Philadelphia Cycling Classic in a decade is over, with Chiara Consonni finishing first place.

    Consonni, a professional cyclist from Italy, finished the 62-mile race in just under two hours and 35 minutes, edging out Alexandra Volstad of Canada.

    Here are the top five finishers, who all finished within a second of each other:

    • Chiara Consonni (Italy): 2:34:55
    • Alexandra Volstad (Canada): 2:34:55
    • Ella Sabo (U.S.): 2:34:55
    • Kristen Faulkner (U.S.): 2:34:55
    • Marit Raaijmakers (Netherlands): 2:34:55

    — Rob Tornoe

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 11:10am

    Crowds cheer at the Manayunk Wall

    There’s no shortage of cheers and warm welcomes at the Manayunk Wall. It’s not just the first to arrive who feel the crowd’s support – those coming behind get even more:

    — Michelle Myers

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 11:01am

    ‘It’s inspiring me to put more effort into cycling’

    Spectators cheer a group of women riders along Main Street in Manayunk.David Maialetti / Staff Photographer

    Rita’s water ice in one hand and a cowbell in the other, Jim Lamond let the clank of the bell ring out as racers rode past on Ben Franklin Parkway on their third lap.

    Lamond, 57, came to the race with his daughter, Katie Coulter, 28, who is just starting to get into cycling and triathlon and wanted to witness the sport on this scale in person.

    “During the triathlon, cycling is the one discipline that I struggle with the most,” Coulter said. “So seeing the ladies and the professionals do this, it’s inspiring me to put more effort into cycling, and seeing how effortless they do it, it’s really inspiring for me.”

    For the few seconds the cyclists are riding past, Lamond and Coulter are fixed on the course, but in the downtime between laps, the Fan Fest on the parkway has plenty to pass the time.

    Food trucks line the streets, including the Rita’s Water Ice truck where Lamont got his. There are also tents with fan activations and giveaways, merchandise and cycling apparel for sale, a DJ, and a screen displaying all the action.

    “Here at the Fan Fest, you have all different vendors between the equipment for the riding and things like that, the helmets, the bikes, keeps them interactive with the kids,” Lamond said. “They have a Fan Fest for the kids as well, and you get to experience the atmosphere of being outside.”

    — Mia Messina

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 10:46am

    ‘It’s like a mini Tour de France’

    Alice Antonelli, an avid cyclist and financial consultant, is among those watching Sunday’s race.Michelle Myers

    Alice Antonelli, 65, woke up at 4:30 a.m. on Sunday unable to contain her excitement for the return of the Philadelphia Cycling Classic.

    “I wasn’t able to come before. I had kids and a lot going on,” Antonelli said. “I’m so thrilled it’s back. It’s like a mini Tour de France.”

    In a new era of her life, the avid cyclist and financial consultant was among the 400 registered for the Charity Ride for AACR, the American Association for Cancer Research. She completed her race in under an hour, she said, and came back to the Manayunk Wall to cheer for the women’s race participants.

    “Having done the course, it’s actually not bad, but the Wall separates the women from the girls. I am a girl,” Antonelli said.

    Standing on the porch of a neighboring house, Antonelli couldn’t contain her enthusiasm at seeing cyclists more skilled than her go up the same hill she conquered.

    “Not to say that my heart is pounding, but I’m anticipating for them; I am living vicariously through them,” Antonelli said, bringing her hand to her chest.

    As the motorcycles announced the arrival of the cyclists, Antonelli couldn’t help but jump up and down in celebration, bringing her fingers to her mouth and whistling for the riders.

    “I’m planning to come back next year, please keep bringing it back,” Antonelli said.

    — Michelle Myers

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 10:40am

    ‘I’m just happy right now’: Father and son take in Cycling Classic

    John Dempsey and his 11-year-old son, Orion, woke up at 5 a.m. to make the trip to Philadelphia from their home along the Jersey Shore.

    John Dempsey wanted to show his son “something different other than the usual running or car events.”

    “Even though we’re from New Jersey, we love the city of Philadelphia,” John Dempsey said. “My wife’s run the marathon here. I’ve run the half marathon here, and we’ve come here for Made in America Festival. Always nice to come back to Philly.”

    Added Orion: “It’s very cool. It’s fun to be here, and I’m just happy right now.”

    The two are rooting for women’s cyclists Kristen Faulkner and Laini Bones. Faulkner is two-time Olympic gold medalist while Bones won over the Dempseys through her social media content. Bones has found an online audience by attempting to beat male cyclists’ records.

    “She’s viral on Instagram for taking men’s segments with Strava and talking a lot of trash to them lightheartedly and going out and beating their time,” John Dempsey said.

    — Conor Smith

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 10:08am

    Teen spectators inspired by cyclists climbing Manayunk Wall

    Spectators line Levering Street as the women’s race makes their way up The Wall in Manayunk.David Maialetti / Staff Photographer

    Eyes glued to a cell phone, siblings Tess and Fitz Dolan counted down the seconds it took women cyclists to arrive at the Manayunk Wall, closely following their trip on the livestream.

    The mountain biker teens’ ages were in the single digits when the race went away, and they never had a chance to see it in person. Now, they don’t plan on losing sight of the cyclists as they wait for their arrival at Tower and Levering Srreets.

    “It’s so cool to see them do this because we are used to these roads and we bike there,” said 16-year-old Tess Dolan. “The women are putting in a lot of work and they are just rocking it.”

    Her older brother, Fitz, was equally in awe of the bikers’ performances. The 18-year-old has biked up the Manayunk Wall just once and considers it to be a challenge for any cyclist.

    “It was fun, but very hard because it’s so long and really stiff,” Fitz said. “They made it look so effortless and I can vouch it’s not as easy as it looked.”

    Seeing the women’s strength and the cheering spectators inspired Tess to put the Manayunk Wall on her bucket list.

    “It’s important for us to see them. It gives us inspiration to go outside and get on the bike,” Tess said, praising the work of the organizers and cyclists. “Thank you for bringing it back and putting in the work, because I’m sure it wasn’t easy.”

    — Michelle Myers

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 9:29am

    Mayor Parker says the Cycling Classic is bringing ‘the stadium to the streets’

    Spectators cheer as the women’s race makes their first pass at The Wall in Manayunk.David Maialetti / Staff Photographer

    Mayor Cherelle L. Parker is looking to “keep pushing” for the city to host “even more grander events.” In the meantime, she is enjoying the spotlight sports have shined on Philadelphia this summer.

    “Philadelphia is a tough city,” Parker said. “When you hear people describe our grit, our resilience, our stick-to-itiveness, our fight… battling the underdog notion – it’s a real thing. But sometimes we forget how amazing we are, and when we look at 2026 and all that we have accomplished through FIFA, the MLB [All-Star Game], the Cycling Classic, all of the amazing events that were here, We are a world-class global city and prepared to receive guests from around the world.”

    Parker also noted the event is a “very equitable opportunity” for all Philadelphians because it is free to watch. Unlike some of the other events Philadelphia held this summer, the Cycling Classic “brought the stadium to the streets.”

    “We got a chance to drive through in Roxborough and Andorra and Manayunk, and even if you didn’t get a chance to see it, right now, you will see families have set up barbecues. They’re doing cookouts and parties at their houses. You also can tell that people have made sure their their lawns are well manicured, it’s a big thing.”

    — Conor Smith

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 9:11am

    ‘That’s crazy’: Spectators watch cyclists conquer the Manayunk Wall

    The Philadelphia Cycling Classic is underway. As a group of women speedily cycled by Main Street, dozens of people came out of their Manayunk homes to await them with cheers and praise.

    Whistles began to blow, alerting spectators to their impending arrival. “They are coming,” some started yelling as a small fleet of police in motorcycles drove by.

    Ringing bells, the eager crowd leaned harder on the barricade, cheering and clapping, before the cyclist speedily rode hill up, with such force the 8% to 9% incline looked effortless.

    In less than 40 seconds the women were up the hill and gone from the view of their supporters, but the cheering spirit did not stop.

    Shouts of: ”That’s crazy,” and “they are amazing” could be heard among the crowd as they disappeared into the next section.

    — Michelle Myers

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 8:57am

    Celebrating her birthday watching the return of the Philly Cycling Classic

    Taking deep breaths, Ashley and Dylan O’Neill walked up Lyceum Street looking for the best spot to see cyclists ride the Manayunk Wall.

    The walk was stiff and the air felt slightly humid, but after waiting a decade to experience their first Philadelphia Cycling Classic, Ashley felt like this was the best way to spend her 41st birthday.

    “My stepdad wouldn’t stop talking about it: The people gathered together, and the happiness, but for years there was no race,” she said.

    “We were bummed out because it’s such a unique thing for a city to do, that to have the city lose something like this is a huge loss for the entire community,” Dylan added.

    As soon as the Trenton couple learned the race was coming back, they booked an Airbnb and bought train tickets to Philly.

    “We are excited to see the women race and then the men race, especially Quinn Simmons, but we are definitely leaving the cycling to them, because even walking up is hard enough,” Ashley said.

    As folks began to gather along the street, the O’Neills plan to return every year to see the race and watch it from different spots.

    “We hope they keep doing it, because it’s such a unique thing and Philly is the perfect place to do it,” Dylan said.

    — Michelle Myers

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 8:39am

    Women’s race underway

    For the first time in 10 years, the Philadelphia Cycling Classic is officially underway.

    The 62-mile women’s race began shortly after 8:30 a.m. on the Ben Franklin Parkway. The cyclists will complete four laps before the men’s race begins at noon.

    — Rob Tornoe

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 7:18am

    Philly Cycling Classic race route

    The course is a 14.4-mile circuit that will start and finish on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The women’s race will total 65 miles, while the men’s race will be 122 miles.

    The original course ran up the Ben Franklin Parkway to Kelly Drive, passing through East Falls, Roxborough, and Manayunk, which was home to the most famous part of the course, the Manayunk Wall.

    This year’s race will return to that original course, and will take participants past Strawberry Mansion, Lemon Hill, Boathouse Row — and, of course, up the Wall.

    The Wall is a steep incline hill, reaching up to a 17% grade over a stretch of about a half mile, mostly on Levering Street in Manayunk. It is considered one of the race’s most iconic components, and has been part of the race since 1985, when Jerry Casale and David Chauner first mapped out the course

    — Mia Messina

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 7:18am

    The best places to watch the Philly Cycling Classic

    Philadelphia Cycling Classic Guide: The best places to watch along the route and how to (sort of) take part

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 7:15am

    How to watch the Philly Cycling Classic?

    6abc will air the Philly Cycling Classic from 8:30 a.m. until noon, when it switches over to coverage of the U.S. Open.

    The station is also offering live coverage of the race on the station’s YouTube Channel and website, and on Hulu and Disney+. A special will air at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday on 6abc.

    The women’s race will start at 8:35 a.m. with the men’s race to follow at noon.

    For fans interested in attending, access to the race will be free, meaning anyone can line up along the course to watch.

    Traditionally, large parties take place along the tight streets of Manayunk, turning the race into a festival of sorts. But for those not located in the Manayunk area, the event’s official Fan Fest will be held by the Iroquois Sculpture near the Philadelphia Museum of Art from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Entry is free and will include vendors, live entertainment, a stream of the race, activities for kids, and a beer garden.

    — Mia Messina

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 7:12am

    Road closures in Center City Sunday

    Matti Breschel raises his arms after winning the Philadelphia International Championship Liberty Classic along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in 2008.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    The Philadelphia Cycling Classic is back after a decade-long hiatus, bringing loads of cycling fans, events, and road closures along with it.

    Plan ahead if you need to drive near the 14.4-mile path for the main women’s and men’s races, beginning at 8:30 a.m. and noon, respectively, and the morning charity ride, which begins at 6:30 a.m.

    The following road closures will take effect from 3 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Sunday.

    Near the Benjamin Franklin Parkway:

    • Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 17th Street to Eakins Oval (all lanes)
    • Eakins Oval (all lanes)
    • I-676 ramps at 22nd Street
    • I-76 eastbound off-ramp at Spring Garden Street
    • Spring Garden Tunnel
    • Rear of Philadelphia Museum of Art — Anne d’Harnoncourt Drive
    • 1900 block of Race Street
    • 1800 and 1900 blocks of Vine Street
    • Park Towne Place between 22nd and 24th Streets
    • 2000 and 2100 blocks of Winter Street
    • Spring Garden Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and 31st Street
    • All roads from Arch to Spring Garden Streets, 18th to 22nd Streets (access maintained for residents)
    • All roads from Arch Street to Fairmount Avenue, 22nd to Corinthian Streets (access maintained for residents)
    • 23rd Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and Eakins Oval
    • 22nd Street between Winter Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
    • 21st Street between Winter Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
    • 20th Street between Arch Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
    • 19th Street between Callowhill and Cherry Streets
    • 16th, 17th, and 18th Streets between Arch and Spring Garden Streets, if public safety conditions warrant
    • 1600 and 1700 blocks of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, if public safety conditions warrant

    Fairmount Park:

    • Kelly Drive (all lanes)
    • Waterworks Drive
    • Reservoir Drive
    • Lemon Hill
    • Sedgley Drive between Girard Avenue and Kelly Drive
    • Poplar Drive between Girard Avenue and Kelly Drive
    • MLK Drive from Falls Bridge to Eakins Oval

    Manayunk and Roxborough:

    • Ridge Avenue between Kelly Drive and Hermit Street
    • Main Street between Ridge Avenue and Green Lane
    • Levering Street between Main and Tower Streets
    • Cresson Street between Levering and Cotton Streets
    • Lyceum Avenue between Tower and Mitchell Streets
    • Pechin Street between Green Lane and Roxborough Avenue
    • Roxborough Avenue between Mitchell and Terrace Streets
    • Manayunk Avenue between Roxborough Avenue and Osborn Street
    • Rector Street between Terrace and Pechin Streets
    • Pensdale Street between Terrace and Lauriston Streets
    • Kingsley Street between Manayunk Avenue and Lauriston Street
    • Salaignac Street between Manayunk Avenue and Lauriston Street
    • Terrace Street between Dawson Street and Ridge Avenue
    • Vassar Street from Ridge Avenue to Cresson Street
    • Mitchell Street from Connaroe to Martin Streets
    • Additional streets: unit blocks of Shurs Lane, Jamestown Street, Pensdale Street, Roxborough Avenue, Grape Street, Levering Street, Gay Street, Carson Street, Rector Street, Cotton Street, and Connaroe Street, and the 300 block of Burnside Street

    SEPTA detours

    The following SEPTA bus routes will be detoured through Kelly Drive, Manayunk, and Roxborough beginning at 4 a.m. Sunday: 7, 9, 27, 32, 33, 38, 43, 48, 49, 52, 60, 61, 65, 82, 124/125, K.

    For information on specific route changes, visit www.septa.org.

    — Nate File

    How the Philly Cycling Classic came back after a decade

    // Timestamp 08/30/26 7:10am

  • Eagles roster cuts: WR Quez Watkins among Birds early moves; all eyes on Howie Roseman; live updates

    Eagles roster cuts: WR Quez Watkins among Birds early moves; all eyes on Howie Roseman; live updates

    // Timestamp 08/29/26 6:34pm

    Eagles release DB Shaun Wade: ESPN

    // Timestamp 08/29/26 5:59pm

    Cowboys trade for OT Broderick Jones: ESPN

    // Timestamp 08/29/26 4:24pm

    Eagles release CB Ambry Thomas: ESPN

    // Timestamp 08/29/26 3:54pm

    Eagles reportedly release two lineman

    // Pinned

    // Timestamp 08/29/26 6:39pm

    2026 Eagles roster cut tracker

    Wide receiver Quez Watkins wasn’t successful landing a roster spot.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    The Eagles are in the process of reducing their roster down to 53 players by Sunday’s 6 p.m. deadline.

    Here are all the players the Eagles are expected to waive, according to sources and other reports:

    Offense

    Defense

    — Rob Tornoe

    // Timestamp 08/29/26 2:29pm

    Eagles reportedly waive safety Cole Wisniewski

    // Timestamp 08/29/26 2:22pm

    Eagles reportedly release DB Maximus Pulley

    // Timestamp 08/29/26 2:18pm

    Eagles waiving edge rusher Tarron Jackson

    Tarron Jackson (No. 75), seen here with the team ahead of a 2022 preseason game. Doug Murray / AP

    The Eagles are waiting edge rusher Tarron Jackson, according to a source.

    Jackson was drafted in the 6th round by the Eagles in the 2021 draft. He was in his third stint with the Birds after being signed by the team on Aug. 10.

    — Ryan Novozinsky, Rob Tornoe

    // Timestamp 08/29/26 2:06pm

    Eagles releasing WR Quez Watkins

    // Timestamp 08/29/26 1:58pm

    Eagles reportedly release RB Carson Steele

    // Timestamp 08/29/26 1:18pm

    Eagles waive WR Samori Toure: NFL Network

    Samori Toure was one of several WRs fighting for a roster spot. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    The Eagles made their first post-preseason cut.

    The team is waiving wide receiver Samori Toure, NFL Network reported Saturday afternoon. The 28-year-old signed with the Birds on the first day of free agency in June.

    The Eagles are likely to keep five or six wide receivers. DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon, Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown and Darius Cooper are likely locks, while Elijah Moore, Britain Covey, Quez Watkins, Danny Gray, Erik Ezukanma and Tahj Washington duke it out for the sixth spot.

    — Ryan Novozinsky

    // Timestamp 08/29/26 12:43pm

    Other teams begin trimming their rosters

    Teams across the NFL have begun trimming their rosters ahead of Sunday’s deadline. Matt Slocum

    All is quiet on the Eagles’ front so far, but other teams have begun making moves:

    — Rob Tornoe

    // Timestamp 08/29/26 9:51am

    Giants trade for Ravens DT C.J. Okoye: NFL Network

    // Timestamp 08/29/26 9:49am

    Final Eagles 53-man roster prediction features four QBs

    Eagles quarterback’s (from left to right) Andy Dalton, Cole Payton and Tanner McKee.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Training camp is officially over, and Howie Roseman is on the clock.

    The Eagles have to submit their initial 53-man roster by 6 p.m. Sunday, and there are key decisions to make at multiple positions, including the quarterback spot.

    Projecting the 53-man roster has its twists and turns throughout a training camp. The Inquirer’s Jeff McLane revealed his one and only roster prediction earlier on Friday before the team’s 30-13 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in the final preseason game.

    But Friday night’s defeat provided some more data when it comes to decision making, both for Roseman and in this roster view. So, let’s get to our final projection of the 2026 training camp:

    Quarterbacks (4): Jalen Hurts, Andy Dalton, Tanner McKee, Cole Payton

    Well, this is quite a departure from every projection from this training camp. But if you watched Friday night, and saw the other two games, can you really imagine another NFL general manager parting with draft capital to acquire one of Hurts’ backups?

    Dalton probably has more trade value at this time of year given his body of work. But trading him means the Eagles would be committing to McKee as the primary backup, and while that was fine last year, backing up Hurts with McKee and Payton seems a bit risky for a team that fancies itself a Super Bowl contender.

    McKee was dreadful Friday night, though the necessary caveats need to be applied: he was playing with backups, and the only first-teamer who joined him on the field, Makai Lemon, was playing NFL football for the first time. But he was playing against backups, too. He finished the game 12-for-22 for 55 yards and an interception (that hit Lemon in the hands). A year ago, McKee dominated the Bengals in the first preseason contest of the season and cemented himself as the bona fide backup.

    Keeping four quarterbacks would be a bit unusual, but it also gives Roseman some time to figure out what to do next. The first game is still two weeks away, and a lot can change on his roster and the other 31 between now and then.

    The easy answer might be to cut Payton. The fifth-round pick has been turnover-prone during camp, but the Eagles may not want to expose him to waivers and ensure they’re the team that gets to develop him.

    All of this uncertainty begs the question: Is the Week 1 backup quarterback even on the team’s roster right now?

    Final Eagles 53-man roster prediction: Will all four quarterbacks make the initial roster? It’s possible.

    — Jeff Neiburg

    // Timestamp 08/29/26 8:53am

    What does recent history say about going winless in the preseason?

    Nick Sirianni and the Eagles went 0-3 during the preseason. Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    The Eagles ended the preseason winless after losing at home to the Cincinnati Bengals Friday night.

    But does that even matter?

    Since 2021, when the NFL reduced the number of games from four down to three, 32 teams have gone winless during the preseason. Of those, 15 – about 47% – went on to make the playoffs.

    That includes the Los Angeles Rams, who didn’t win a single preseason game in 2021 yet still managed to win Super Bowl LVI. The Kansas City Chiefs also advanced to the Super Bowl after their winless preseason in 2024, though they were blown out by the Eagles.

    During that span, the Eagles have had winless preseasons twice, and in both years – 2021 and 2023 – the Birds secured a playoff spot. Though the less we remember about the final two months of 2023, the better.

    — Rob Tornoe

    // Timestamp 08/29/26 7:28am

    All eyes are Howie Roseman ahead of NFL roster deadline

    Eagles GM Howie Roseman might still have some outside moves to make before Sunday’s headline.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    Howie Roseman has all the pieces laid out in front of him as he whittles the Eagles’ 91-man roster down to 53 players ahead of Sunday’s 6 p.m. deadline.

    Most of the team is in place, but it isn’t like some piece of furniture from IKEA with specific parts. Roseman will build his makeshift roster by balancing the Eagles’ immediate needs with the long term, while also factoring in injury variables, the salary cap, and other potential moves.

    The general manager is scanning the rest of the NFL for upgrades at positions that are in question. He’s yet to make any trades since camp started, but no one likes to wheel and deal as much as Roseman. C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Jahan Dotson are just two of the players Roseman acquired in and around this time.

    Wide receiver, tight end, and safety are among potential areas that could be addressed.

    The 16-man practice squad will also afford the Eagles a landing spot for vested veterans, players they will taxi up on game days, or prospects they hope to develop. So while only 53 will make the initial cut, Roseman considers his roster a 69-man outfit (70 if they have an international prospect).

    It is an ever-evolving list that will likely change ahead of the season opener vs. the Commanders on Sept. 13. But for one fleeting moment there will be those who make it, and those who don’t. Here’s one beat reporter’s predictions:

    Eagles 53-man roster prediction: How tough decisions at wide receiver, tight end and D-line will shake out

    — Jeff McLane

    // Timestamp 08/29/26 7:25am

    What we learned about the backup QB battle from Friday’s preseason game

    Tanner McKee appeared to take a step back Friday night.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    After displaying signs of progress in the second preseason game against the New England Patriots, Tanner McKee took a step back on Friday.

    He started and played the entire first half. In 32 plays, McKee went 12-for-22 for 55 yards and an interception, good for a 41.1 passer rating. He was sacked twice.

    The 2023 sixth-rounder out of Stanford struggled to push the ball downfield. Most of his yardage came on short gains, namely check downs to the running backs. Running back Carson Steele was McKee’s most popular target in the first half, as he amassed five receptions on five targets for 32 yards. Steele had one long 17-yard catch-and-run gain, but he averaged 3.75 yards per reception on his other four.

    The sacks that McKee took highlighted his inability to escape the pocket. Former Eagles defensive end Antwaun Powell-Ryland split a sack with Bengals defensive end Isaiah Foskey on the Eagles’ opening drive, collapsing on McKee from either side as he lingered too long in the pocket and eventually attempted to flee.

    Right before the end of the first half, McKee took another sack from Foskey, who beat left tackle John Ojukwu. Again, McKee failed to get the ball out quickly, but this sack was less egregious than the first one.

    McKee was nearly strip-sacked in the second quarter by Powell-Ryland after right tackle Cameron Williams gave up the pressure, but the play was eventually ruled an incomplete pass.

    Andy Dalton wasn’t any better

    Dalton, the former Bengals quarterback of nine years (2011-19), took over at the start of the second half. He wasn’t any more impressive than McKee was to start.

    Dalton was handed favorable field position after Eagles receiver Jordan Mims, who signed with the team on Monday, forced a fumble on Bengals kick returner Tahj Brooks and Andre Sam came up with the recovery at the Bengals’ 43-yard line.

    The 38-year-old quarterback didn’t do much with it. After a Steele five-yard run, Dalton threw two straight incomplete passes to Steele and Britain Covey. The Eagles settled for a 56-yard Jake Elliott field goal, trailing 9-6.

    But Dalton heated up on his second possession. He led an 11-play, 76-yard scoring drive, highlighted by a 26-yard play-action strike over the middle for Danny Gray that put the Eagles in the red zone. Steele continued his impressive preseason showing, as his five-yard touchdown reception made it 16-13, Bengals.

    His ensuing two drives were less inspiring. Both accumulated just 20 net yards apiece, and the latter resulted in a turnover on downs after Dalton failed to convert on fourth-and-1 from the Eagles’ 40.

    Dalton went 12-for-19 for 104 yards and a touchdown (95.1 quarterback rating) on 26 plays. Statistically, it was his best single-game performance of the preseason. But was it QB2 material?

    Eagles close out winless preseason with uneven 30-13 loss to Bengals; roster cuts up next

    — Olivia Reiner

    // Timestamp 08/29/26 7:24am

    Eagles roster hopeful Andre Sam carted off the field

    Safety Andre Sam is taken off of the field in the injury cart during Friday’s preseason game.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    Safety Andre Sam went down late in the third quarter after attempting to make a tackle. He did not put any pressure on his left leg as he was lifted off the field and carted indoors.

    Sam, a 2024 undrafted free agent out of LSU, had a strong outing prior to his injury. He recorded a pass breakup, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries (one on defense, another on special teams), and three tackles.

    — Olivia Reiner

    Eagles 2026 schedule

    In two weeks, Jalen Hurts will finally take the field for the Eagles.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    Next up after roster cuts? Actual football games.

    The Eagles 2026 season kicks off at home on Sunday, Sept. 13, against the Washington Commanders on Fox. Calling the game will be childhood Eagles fan Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady, who is entering his third season as Fox’s top analyst.

    Here’s the Eagles’ complete 2026 schedule:

    • Week 1: Commanders at Eagles — Sunday, Sept. 13, 4:25 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 2: Eagles at Titans — Sunday, Sept. 20, 1 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 3: Eagles at Bears — Monday, Sept. 28, 8:15 p.m. (ABC, ESPN)
    • Week 4: Rams at Eagles — Sunday, Oct. 4, 1 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 5: Eagles at Jaguars (London) — Sunday, Oct. 11, 9:30 a.m. (NFL Network)
    • Week 6: Panthers at Eagles — Sunday, Oct. 18, 1 p.m. (CBS)
    • Week 7: Cowboys at Eagles — Monday, Oct. 26, 8:15 p.m. (ABC, ESPN)
    • Week 8: Eagles at Commanders — Sunday, Nov. 1, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
    • Week 9: Giants at Eagles — Sunday, Nov. 8, 1 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 10: Bye week
    • Week 11: Steelers at Eagles — Sunday, Nov. 22, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
    • Week 12: Eagles at Cowboys — Thursday, Nov. 26, 4:30 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 13: Eagles at Cardinals — Sunday, Dec. 6, 4:05 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 14: Colts at Eagles — Sunday, Dec. 13, 1 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 15: Seahawks at Eagles — Saturday, Dec. 19, 5 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 16: Texans at Eagles — Thursday, Dec. 24, 8:15 p.m. (Prime Video)
    • Week 17: Eagles at 49ers — Sunday, Jan. 3, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
    • Week 18: Eagles at Giants — TBD (TBD)

    — Rob Tornoe

    // Timestamp 08/29/26 7:23am

  • NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Tom McCarthy will miss most of Phillies-Angels series

    NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Tom McCarthy will miss most of Phillies-Angels series

    One familiar Phillies voice will replace another this weekend during the team’s series against the Los Angeles Angels.

    Tom McCarthy, in his 20th season as the TV voice of the Phillies, will call Friday night’s game on NBC Sports Philadelphia alongside Ben Davis. Scott Franzke, the team’s longtime radio announcer on 94.1 WIP and other stations throughout the Delaware Valley, will take over Saturday and Sunday alongside Davis, with Gregg Murphy calling the game on radio with Kevin Stocker.

    So where will McCarthy be? He’ll be on Peacock and NBCSN calling a noon matchup between the Washington Nationals and Miami Marlins, part of an NBC Sunday triple-header. Joining him in the booth is one-time Phillies radio announcer Kevin Frandsen and four-time World Series champion Jeff Nelson.

    But unlike John Kruk, McCarthy has no issues wearing a suit.

    McCarthy initially though he might call Saturday night’s Phillies game, then take an overnight flight to Miami. But the notorious workaholic thought better of trying to navigate such a narrow window.

    “It just wasn’t prudent to get in at 5:30 a.m. to do an early game,” McCarthy said. “I like to work. I like the opportunity. I like the adrenaline rush. But I also thought it was probably better for everybody if I didn’t do that.”

    Phillies radio announcer Scott Franzke will be on TV this weekend. NBC Sports Philadelphia

    The late-season shifting is nothing new for McCarthy or Philly fans. In addition to his role calling Phillies games, McCarthy is also entering his 13th NFL season as a play-by-play announcer with CBS. This year he expects to call around 10 games, but he won’t do it alongside Ross Tucker, who was promoted to the network’s No. 2 booth alongside Ian Eagle.

    “I’ve known him since he was 18 years old. I’m very proud of him,” McCarthy said of Tucker. “He’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever been around.”

    Instead, McCarthy will call games with former Seattle Seahawks and Indianapolis Colts running back Robert Turbin in his first season as an NFL color analyst.

    Because the start of the NFL season was pushed back by a late Labor Day, McCarthy will actually end up missing fewer Phillies games this season.

    Last season, Tom McCarthy (left) called NFL games alongside Ross Tucker. CBS

    His first NFL game is the Week 1 matchup between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 13, somewhat appropriate because he once called Browns preseason games. As a result, he’ll miss all three games of the Braves-Phillies series that weekend.

    He’ll also work Week 2 and Week 3 for CBS, though the network hasn’t publicly announced which games he’s calling. But thanks to national broadcasts, McCarthy will only miss a total of three Phillies games on NBC Sports Philadelphia those two weekends, though it does include the season finale against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sept. 27.

    “The Phillies are great about it,” McCarthy said. “I don’t miss any games during the regular season, kind of by design. Unless it’s my kid’s graduation. … I save it for football season.”

    The Eagles have two games scheduled to air on CBS, though the Birds’ Week 11 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers will be a national 4:25 p.m. game. The other is a Week 6 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.

    While McCarthy has called Eagles games on the radio for Westwood One, he’s never had the opportunity to broadcast the Birds on CBS. The streak will likely continue this season, since McCarthy isn’t assigned any games that weekend.

    “I would love to do an Eagles game. I think it’d be a hoot,” McCarthy said. “But I just roll with wherever they send me.”

    McCarthy’s absence is a Phillies tradition that goes back to the late, great Harry Kalas, who called Notre Dame football games in September and national radio games for Westwood One. He also missed games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to do voice-over work for NFL Films.

    It was actually one of those absences where McCarthy got his first opportunities to call the Phillies on TV.

    While Sunday is McCarthy’s first-and-only regular season game for NBC, he’ll call a wild-card series next month for the network. That means for the first time, McCarthy has the chance to actually call some Phillies postseason games.

    “I don’t know if NBC would put me there or not, but I think there’s a possibility,” McCarthy said. “It would be awesome.”

    Phillies’ standings and NL playoff picture

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    If the season were to end today, the Phillies would be the No. 2 wild card in the National League. That would currently mean a best-of-three series against the Chicago Cubs in Wrigley Field, with the winner advancing to the National League Divisional Series.

    Here’s how the wild-card race in the National League currently shakes out:

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    Phillies news

    Bryce Harper has five homers this month and is hitting .338 and slugging .600. Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    Remaining Phillies TV schedule

    • Phillies at Angels
    • Phillies at Diamondbacks
    • Braves at Phillies
    • Astros at Phillies
    • Phillies at Braves
    • Phillies at Nationals
    • Phillies at Mets
    • Brewers at Phillies
    • Rays at Phillies
  • A new voice and different channel for Eagles final preseason game

    A new voice and different channel for Eagles final preseason game

    The Eagles will take the field for their final preseason game Friday night, but the broadcast will look and feel different for Birds fans.

    For starters, the game isn’t airing on NBC10, which has broadcast Eagles preseason games since 2015. Instead, the game will air nationally on CBS, with veteran play-by-player Andrew Catalon calling the action.

    In theory, that means Birds fans won’t get a hometown TV broadcast and will also hear about backup Cincinnati Bengals players all night. But Catalon, who also calls Buffalo Bills preseason games, will be joined in the booth by regular Eagles preseason announcer Ross Tucker, so expect a fair amount of focus on the Birds’ backups.

    “Doing Bills preseason games for as long as I have, I don’t really focus on the other teams,” Catalon said. “But that’s why I think having Ross is a huge plus for us … You’ll have someone who’s been at Eagles practice every day.”

    Andrew Catalon (left) called NFL games last season on CBS alongside Jason McCourty and Charles Davis.CBS

    That’s not to say Catalon hasn’t done his research. The New Jersey native can normally fit the names and information on all the players on a manilla folder, front and back. For Friday’s game, which could see more than 160 players take the field, Catalon will be walking into the booth with a giant poster board with information.

    Like everyone else, Catalon is most interested to see rookie defenders Uar Bernard and Joshua Weru, dubbed by defensive coordinator Vic Fangio as the Birds’ “foreign exchange students,” because of how new they are to football.

    Their first game was just a few weeks ago against the Baltimore Ravens. Now both hope to land a coveted spot on the Birds’ 53-man roster.

    “They’re both tremendous stories,” Catalon said. “I’m fascinated after the game how Howie Roseman’s going to deal with them. Do you expose them to waivers or not?”

    Catalon isn’t stressed about the game or working with Tucker for the first time — Catalon has had five different broadcast partners the last six seasons, so he’s used to a shuffling crew. What he’s most worried about is getting from Buffalo to Philadelphia on Friday without major delays.

    “I don’t typically travel the day of the game,” Catalon said, “but [sideline reporter] AJ Ross and I will be doing that because we got the Bills-Steelers game Thursday night.”

    While Catalon has only ever called a handful of Eagles games, he’s been around Philly a lot the past few months to call the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club and some men’s NCAA championship games at Xfinity Mobile Arena alongside Steve Lappas. He’s also not trekking too far away following the game.

    “My parents live down in Point Pleasant,” Catalon said. “So I’ll be at the Shore not too long after that final horn sounds.”

    Eagles-Bengals preseason TV and radio details

    • When: Friday, Aug. 28
    • Where: Lincoln Financial Field
    • Time: 8 p.m.
    • TV: CBS (Andrew Catalon, Ross Tucker, AJ Ross)
    • Radio: 94.1 WIP (Merrill Reese, Mike Quick)

    Where can I stream the Eagles-Bengals preseason game?

    Friday’s game will be free to stream on the Eagles app and PhiladelphiaEagles.com if you live in the Philadelphia or Cincinnati TV market.

    The game will also stream on any so-called skinny bundle that carries CBS, including YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV. Most offer a free trial. You can also stream it on Paramount+, the network’s subscription streaming service.

    CBS3 is also available for free in and around Philadelphia using a digital antenna.

    Fans can also stream the game on NFL+, the league streaming service. It’ll set you back $6.99 a month, though there is a free seven-day trial.

    Live Eagles coverage from The Inquirer

    Staff writers Jeff McLane, Olivia Reiner, Ryan Novozinsky, and Jeff Neiburg will be covering the action live on GameDay Central. Notes and observations about the game will be at Inquirer.com/Eagles. Don’t forget to subscribe to our free Sports Daily newsletter.

    Eagles-Bengals: Live coverage of final preseason game

    Next up for the Eagles? Roster cuts.

    Eagles GM Howie Roseman signs autographs before the team’s first preseason game.David Maialetti / Staff Photographer

    NFL teams have been able to keep their rosters at 90 players throughout the preseason. But that will end Sunday, with the Eagles and every other team must cut their rosters down to 53-players.

    In addition to the 53-man active roster, the Eagles will be able to carry up to 16 players on their practice squad.

    Eagles 53-man roster projection 4.0: A few changes — and a trade — after another preseason game

    Eagles news

    The Eagles took tight end Eli Stowers in the second-round of this year’s draft. Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    Eagles preseason schedule

    • Aug. 28: Final preseason game, Bengals at Eagles, 8 p.m. (CBS)
    • Aug. 30: Rosters must be cut down to 53 players by 4 p.m.

    Eagles 2026 TV schedule

    • Week 1: Commanders at Eagles — Sunday, Sept. 13, 4:25 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 2: Eagles at Titans — Sunday, Sept. 20, 1 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 3: Eagles at Bears — Monday, Sept. 28, 8:15 p.m. (ABC, ESPN)
    • Week 4: Rams at Eagles — Sunday, Oct. 4, 1 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 5: Eagles at Jaguars (London) — Sunday, Oct. 11, 9:30 a.m. (NFL Network)
    • Week 6: Panthers at Eagles — Sunday, Oct. 18, 1 p.m. (CBS)
    • Week 7: Cowboys at Eagles — Monday, Oct. 26, 8:15 p.m. (ABC, ESPN)
    • Week 8: Eagles at Commanders — Sunday, Nov. 1, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
    • Week 9: Giants at Eagles — Sunday, Nov. 8, 1 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 10: Bye week
    • Week 11: Steelers at Eagles — Sunday, Nov. 22, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
    • Week 12: Eagles at Cowboys — Thursday, Nov. 26, 4:30 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 13: Eagles at Cardinals — Sunday, Dec. 6, 4:05 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 14: Colts at Eagles — Sunday, Dec. 13, 1 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 15: Seahawks at Eagles — Saturday, Dec. 19, 5 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 16: Texans at Eagles — Thursday, Dec. 24, 8:15 p.m. (Prime Video)
    • Week 17: Eagles at 49ers — Sunday, Jan. 3, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
    • Week 18: Eagles at Giants — TBD (TBD)
  • Phillies announcers nail Kyle Schwarber’s game-winning ‘Schwarbomb’

    Phillies announcers nail Kyle Schwarber’s game-winning ‘Schwarbomb’

    Were we expecting anything less?

    With two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, Kyle Schwarber sent a jolt through Citizens Bank Park with the team’s first walk-off home run in more than three years, securing a 6-4 win and a sweep against the St. Louis Cardinals.

    The game-winner capped off an unprecedented comeback in the bottom of the ninth inning, with the Phillies losing 4-0 and down to their final out. But Edmundo Sosa’s three-run double and Bryan De La Cruz’s game-tying single set the table for Schwarber’s moment to shine.

    “We have watched hundreds, if not thousands, if not tens of thousands of Phillies games together,” longtime NBC Sports Philadelphia host Michael Barkann said to open Sunday’s postgame show. “That might be the greatest regular-season finish I’ve ever seen.”

    It was October vibes on 94.1 WIP, with longtime play-by-play announcer Scott Franzke reaching “Bedlam at the Bank” levels with his call of the historic “Schwarbomb.”

    “It’s over! It’s over! Kyle Schwarber with a walk-off home run into the hedges of dead center field,” Franzke yelled during the broadcast. “And the Phillies have absolutely stunned the Cardinals!”

    His partner, former Phillies pitcher Larry Andersen, added in joyous disbelief, “Wow! It does not get any better than that.”

    Over on NBC Sports Philadelphia, John Kruk was uncharacteristically silent when Schwarber’s game-winner sailed out of the stadium. But Tom McCarthy, in his 20th season as the TV voice of the Phillies, wound things up when he realized Schawarber’s ball was gone.

    “Back toward the wall. It is … OVER!” McCarthy said as former World Series MVP turned announcer Cole Hamels cheered beside him.

    As McCarthy noted, Schwarber’s home run was hit so hard it went off the top of the batter’s eye in center field, about 460 feet from home plate. According to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark, it was the first Phillies home run to travel over the batter’s eye into Ashburn Alley since Darick Hall’s blast in 2022.

    “He’s a strong human being,” Hamels said of Schwarber.

    “Are there any words to capture this?” McCarthy asked Schwarber following the game.

    “That one’s wild,” Schwarber shot back. “That’s why you never quit.”

    Spanish radio announcers Angel Castillo and Bill Kulik had a tremendous call of their own, captured and shared on social media by Phillies clip king Nick Piccone.

    As with most their calls, you don’t have to understand Spanish to feel the energy and excitement of Schwarber’s game-winning blast.

    All the excitement is warranted. The Phillies, who lost 10 straight games in April, have quickly won nine straight and are closing in on the division-leading Atlanta Braves.

    It’s also been a minute since the Phillies have had a similar comeback. The last time they won a game trailing by four or more runs with two outs in the bottom of the ninth was more than four decades ago, when Bo Diaz hit a walk-off grand slam to win it against the New York Mets.

    “Unbelievable! beloved Phillies announcer Harry Kalas shouted during the 1983 game in audio unearthed by 97.5 The Fanatic host Ray Dunne.

    More Phillies tidbits

    Phillies players celebrate Kyle Schwarber’s game-winner Sunday. Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer
    • Schwarber’s bomb was the 209th walk-off home run hit by a Phillies player since 1900, according to Larry Shenk, the team’s former public relations guru. In total, 131 Phillies players have hit walk off homers, with Mike Schmidt leading with 10. Sunday’s was Schwarber’s second with the Phillies.
    • Schwarber is also closing in on Babe Ruth. Since having joined the Phillies in 2022, Schwarber has hit 226 homers, second-most in the first five seasons with a team in MLB history. He’s now just nine behind The Bambino’s 235 homers with 29 games remaining.
    • The Phillies have swept three straight series for the first time in 16 years. They’re also 16-5 in August so far, tops in all of MLB.

    Phillies standings

    NL East

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    NL wild card

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    Upcoming Phillies TV schedule

    • Phillies at Mariners
    • Phillies at Angels
    • Phillies at Diamondbacks
    • Braves at Phillies
  • How much will LeBron boost NBC Sports Philadelphia? Here’s what the past says.

    How much will LeBron boost NBC Sports Philadelphia? Here’s what the past says.

    Outside of the 76ers, one of the biggest winners of the LeBron James’ sweepstakes is NBC Sports Philadelphia.

    We won’t know how much of a boon James will be for the city or the network until the 41-year-old takes the court in a couple of months. A lot will depend on the future Hall of Famer’s health during his unprecedented 24th NBA season, but James has remained remarkably healthy, averaging over 62 starts a year over the past five season.

    If the Sixers match expectations and James can remain on the court, NBC Sports Philadelphia can expect a big boost in viewership based on what happened at his previous stops, according to an Inquirer analysis of Nielsen data previously reported by Sports Business Journal and provided by its media reporter, Austin Karp.

    Before James famously made his decision to join the Miami Heat in 2010, games on the city’s now-defunct regional sports network, FanDuel Sports Network Sun (known then as Sun Sports), averaged a 2.51 rating, roughly 40,000 households. After James joined the team, ratings nearly doubled to a 4.92. By the 2012-13 season, after James helped lead the Heat to two straight NBA championships, games were averaging a 7.14 rating on Sun Sports, nearly three times higher than before he came to town.

    In 2014, James decided to leave Miami to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Ratings tripled on the now-defunct regional sports network, formerly known as Fox Sports Ohio, jumping from a 2.79 rating (roughly 41,000 households) before James to a 9.31 rating (roughly 139,000 households) as he led the Cavaliers to their first and only NBA championship in 2016.

    In 2018, James took his talents to Los Angeles to join the Lakers, whose local TV ratings were already among the strongest in the NBA. Lakers ratings still increased 31% on Spectrum SportsNet, the highest since 2013.

    NBC Sports Philadelphia averaged 86,000 viewers per Sixers game last season, according to Nielsen numbers obtained by The Inquirer. If James can provide the same spark he did in both Cleveland and Miami, you can expect upward of 250,000 fans tuning in locally to watch the Sixers on NBC Sports Philadelphia.

    The network is certainly counting on a boost. NBC Sports Philadelphia is working to improve its production capabilities and add staff, potentially including a third personality alongside announcers Kate Scott and Alaa Abdelnaby who can do interviews and bring the atmosphere of the stadium to fans watching at home.

    “I think you need a voice on the court where Alaa and Kate can’t be to give us insight, do pre- and postgame interviews, analysis, all of that,” Alexandra Matcham, the vice president of content for NBC Sports Philadelphia, previously told The Inquirer.

    The only bad news for NBC Sports Philadelphia is that ratings tanked for the markets James left.

    When he left the Cavaliers for the Heat, ratings in Cleveland dropped 54%. The same thing happened when he returned to Cleveland — ratings on Sun Sports in Miami dropped 28%.

    After James joined the Lakers, Cavaliers’ ratings on Fox Sports Ohio dropped 58%. It remains to be seen whether Spectrum SportsNet will suffer a similar fate this season.

    Fortunately, that’s a future problem for NBC Sports Philadelphia to deal with, as James signed a two-year deal with the Sixers.

    NBC Sports Philadelphia still finalizing its Sixers schedule

    Sixers announcers Kate Scott and Alaa Abdelnaby ahead of a 2014 game. Steven M. Falk / Staff Photographer

    The Sixers have 34 nationally televised games this season, the most in franchise history, but most of them will also air locally on NBC Sports Philadelphia.

    Just 15 of those games are exclusive to national broadcasters, including the Sixers first two games — Oct. 20 against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden (NBC), and the Sixers’ home opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Oct. 22 (ESPN).

    That means the first Sixers regular-season game that will air on NBC Sports Philadelphia will be Oct. 24 against the Milwaukee Bucks in South Philly.

    NBC Sports Philadelphia will air at least 67 Sixers games this season, but the full schedule needs to be approved by the NBA before it’s released publicly. There’s also some juggling that needs to happen, since the network also broadcasts Flyers games.

    The network will air all four Sixers preseason games, beginning Oct. 5 against the Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena, which could be the first time fans see James suit up for Philly.

    Regardless of when he plays, the expectations are sky-high for the Sixers this season.

    “Championship or bust,” Hall of Famer and TNT analyst Shaquille O’Neal said during a recent interview on ESPN’s SportsCenter. “I know LeBron wants to get one last one. … If they don’t win the championship, I think all those players will be very, very disappointed.”

  • Eagles play their second preseason game tonight. Here’s what to know.

    Eagles play their second preseason game tonight. Here’s what to know.

    The Eagles take the field for their second preseason game Saturday night, facing off against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough (7 p.m, NBC10).

    After two days of joint practices against the Patriots, don’t expect either team to run out many starters. That means the next chance Birds’ fans will have to see Quinyon Mitchell covering A.J. Brown would be Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium in California.

    If you’re thing is in-the-weeds drama involving roster spots for fringe players, there’s a lot of keep your eyes on. That starts at quarterback, with an ongoing competition between Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee to backup Jalen Hurts.

    “The Eagles don’t want to put too much of their offense on film, but they do want to make one of their backup candidates attractive for a potential trade,” my colleague Jeff Neiburg wrote after watching Dalton and McKee practice against the Patriots.

    Outside of that, you’re looking at depth chart battles on the offensive line and cornerback, plus a crowded fight among wide receivers for a roster spot. Top pick Makai Lemon returned to practice this week after being sidelined with a hamstring injury, but don’t expect to see him running many routes tonight.

    The Eagles did make a few minor roster moves Friday afternoon, waiving wide receiver Johnny Wilson with an injury designation and signing center Zeke Correll.

    The Birds also re-signed wide receiver Brandon Hayes, who has been on an off the team during training camp, and placed cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields on injured reserve.

    Eagles-Patriots will be final preseason game on NBC10

    Jalen Hurts watches team drills during a joint practice with the Patriots. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Tonight’s Eagles-Patriot’s preseason game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. on NBC10, with Scott Graham and Ross Tucker on the call. Dave Spadaro will report from the sideline at Gillette Stadium just outside of Boston.

    It’s the second and final Eagles game NBC10 will air this offseason. The Birds preseason finale next week against the Cincinnati Bengals will air on CBS, with Tucker calling the game alongside Andrew Catalon.

    Regionally, Saturday’s Eagles-Patriots preseason game will air on a number of local stations, including:

    • WPMT, FOX43 (Harrisburg-Lancaster-Lebanon-York)
    • WOLF, FOX56 (Wilkes-Barre-Scranton-Hazelton)
    • WATM, ABC 23 (Johnstown-Altoona-State College-DuBois-Bedford, Pa.)

    The game will also air live on the NFL Network and a host of local stations across New England, including WBZ in Boston and WWLP in Springfield, Mass.

    If you’re a Birds fan in Hawaii, you’re also in luck — the game will air on KHII in Honolulu as part of a 13-game preseason package.

    Fans can also listen to the game on 94.1 WIP, where beloved Eagles announcer Merrill Reese is entering his 50th season calling Birds games. He’ll once again be joined by longtime partner and former Eagles wide receiver Mike Quick.

    The game can also be heard nationally on SiriusXM NFL Radio.

    Where can I stream the Eagles-Patriots preseason game?

    Jalen Hurts and former Eagles receiver A.J. Brown spoke during joint practice Thursday. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Tonight’s game will be free to stream on the Eagles app and PhiladelphiaEagles.com if you live in the Philadelphia or Boston TV market.

    The game will also stream in the Philadelphia market on any so-called skinny bundle that carries NBC10, including YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV. Most offer a free trial. You can also stream it on the NBC app, but a cable login is required.

    You can also watch NBC10 for free using a digital antenna if you live in and around Philadelphia. Local fans can also stream the game for free on Peacock, the NBC10 app, and on the station’s website.

    Fans living outside the Philadelphia market can stream the game on NFL+, the league streaming service. It’ll set you back $6.99 a month, though there is a free seven-day trial.

    Live Eagles coverage from The Inquirer

    Staff writers Jeff McLane, Olivia Reiner, Ryan Novozinsky, and Jeff Neiburg will be covering the action live on GameDay Central. Notes and observations about the game will be at Inquirer.com/Eagles. Don’t forget to subscribe to our free Sports Daily newsletter.

    Eagles news

    Eagles preseason schedule

    • Aug. 22: Second preseason game, Eagles at Patriots, 7 p.m. (NBC10)
    • Aug. 25: Open Eagles practice at the Linc, 6 p.m.
    • Aug. 28: Final preseason game, Bengals at Eagles, 8 p.m. (CBS)
    • Aug. 30: Rosters must be cut down to 53 players by 4 p.m.

    Eagles 2026 TV schedule

    • Week 1: Commanders at Eagles — Sunday, Sept. 13, 4:25 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 2: Eagles at Titans — Sunday, Sept. 20, 1 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 3: Eagles at Bears — Monday, Sept. 28, 8:15 p.m. (ABC, ESPN)
    • Week 4: Rams at Eagles — Sunday, Oct. 4, 1 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 5: Eagles at Jaguars (London) — Sunday, Oct. 11, 9:30 a.m. (NFL Network)
    • Week 6: Panthers at Eagles — Sunday, Oct. 18, 1 p.m. (CBS)
    • Week 7: Cowboys at Eagles — Monday, Oct. 26, 8:15 p.m. (ABC, ESPN)
    • Week 8: Eagles at Commanders — Sunday, Nov. 1, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
    • Week 9: Giants at Eagles — Sunday, Nov. 8, 1 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 10: Bye week
    • Week 11: Steelers at Eagles — Sunday, Nov. 22, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
    • Week 12: Eagles at Cowboys — Thursday, Nov. 26, 4:30 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 13: Eagles at Cardinals — Sunday, Dec. 6, 4:05 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 14: Colts at Eagles — Sunday, Dec. 13, 1 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 15: Seahawks at Eagles — Saturday, Dec. 19, 5 p.m. (Fox)
    • Week 16: Texans at Eagles — Thursday, Dec. 24, 8:15 p.m. (Prime Video)
    • Week 17: Eagles at 49ers — Sunday, Jan. 3, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
    • Week 18: Eagles at Giants — TBD (TBD)
  • Jason Kelce gets a new gig at ESPN and a new teammate: Pat McAfee

    Jason Kelce gets a new gig at ESPN and a new teammate: Pat McAfee

    Jason Kelce spent 13 seasons with the Eagles. Now he’ll get the chance to call a Birds game.

    The former offensive lineman turned podcaster and ESPN announcer is jumping to the booth to call a handful of NFL games this season on the NFL Network, the network announced.

    Kelce will join play-by-play announcer Dave Pasch and Hall of Famer Kurt Warner to call four games, including the Eagles’ Week 5 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London on Oct. 11.

    Here are the four games Kelce, Pasch, and Warner are slated to call:

    • Week 4: Colts at Commanders in London (Oct. 4)
    • Week 5: Eagles at Jaguars in London (Oct. 11)
    • Week 7: Steelers at Saints in Paris (Oct. 25)
    • Week 16: TBD matchup (Dec. 26)

    ESPN inherited seven NFL games as part of its purchase of the NFL Network. The remaining three will be called by play-by-player Bob Wischusen and one-time Eagles executive Louis Riddick.

    Molly McGrath will serve as sideline reporter for both teams.

    Joe Buck and Troy Aikman are back to call Monday Night Football, with King of Prussia native Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge on the sidelines. Because of his role as a consultant with the Miami Dolphins, Aikman won’t have access to practice facilities or team practices this season, the same restrictions placed on Tom Brady.

    Jason Kelce is entering his third NFL season with ESPN. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    While Kelce has yet to call a full NFL game, he did swap out his South Philly tuxedo for a suit to call part of a 2024 Eagles game alongside Monday Night Football’s Buck and Aikman.

    “I think I got better as it went. There were a couple [of moments] trying to figure out where you fit in and what to say,” Kelce said following the game. “In the heat of the moment, you have to offer a perspective or something the viewer can take and enjoy … it’s difficult.”

    Kelce will also be back for his third season as a studio analyst on ESPN’s Monday Night Countown alongside Marcus Spears and host Scott Van Pelt. The show is adding two new analysts: Jason McCourty (replacing Ryan Clark, who was laid off last month) and Pat McAfee, ESPN’s omnipresent star who will still host his daily show and continue as a co-host of College Gameday.

    Pat McAfee will join Jason Kelce on “Monday Night Countdown” this season. Darron Cummings

    Kelce is in the final year of a three-year deal he signed with ESPN in 2024. During that time, he’s appeared on the network’s coverage of the Masters and The Golf League, and a five-episode stint as a late-night host in Philly.

    He also launched a new YouTube series called Kelce Versus, which features the former offensive lineman trying out other sports, including driving for NASCAR and learning how to dunk a basketball (which he did in front of a live crowd in Los Angeles in June). It’s unclear how many episodes there will be.

    Kelce also remains a presence at Eagles training camp and continues to host the popular New Heights podcast with his brother, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.

    Exhausted? Some fans are, too. But Kelce has a lot of time to fill since having retired from the Eagles in 2024 and is focused on bucket-list stuff he couldn’t do during his playing days.

    “We’re definitely capitalizing on the ability to go and do random things,” Kelce told CBS analyst and Eagles pregame announcer Ross Tucker on his podcast last month. “Maybe too much. We got to talk as a team, but it’s been fun.”

  • With 6abc potentially facing a Trump-forced blackout, ABC sues the FCC

    With 6abc potentially facing a Trump-forced blackout, ABC sues the FCC

    ABC is moving to block President Donald Trump’s administration from the unprecedented step of taking eight local stations off the air, including 6abc in Philadelphia.

    On Tuesday, the network filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission, which is threatening to take away the stations’ broadcast licenses in a move ABC described as an “existential threat” to its business.

    “Acting through the Federal Communications Commission, the administration has waged a retaliatory campaign against ABC for a single reason: it disapproves of what ABC broadcasts,” said the lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

    The FCC has the power to regulate 6abc and the other stations because they broadcast over public airwaves.

    The lawsuit comes as the FCC considers its next move following an unusual early review of the stations’ broadcast licenses in April. That review came shortly after Trump called for late-night host Jimmy Kimmel to be fired over a joke he made involving first lady Melania Trump.

    ABC also filed a motion for a temporary restraining order against the FCC’s attempt to force an early renewal.

    “Again and again, the administration has attacked ABC’s speech,” the lawsuit states. “Over time, those attacks have escalated into express demands that ABC be stripped of its broadcast licenses because of its speech.”

    6abc’s broadcast license, renewed without controversy in 2023, runs through 2030.

    The FCC, led by chairman Brendan Carr, contends the review stems from an earlier investigation into diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at ABC’s parent company, Disney, citing “the agency’s prohibition on unlawful discrimination.” Carr also said the agency would consider ABC’s decisions not to air Trump’s primetime address on election security last month, in which he repeated his baseless claims about the results of the 2020 election, which he lost to former President Joe Biden.

    “All broadcasters have a legal obligation to operate in the public interest — even Disney,” an FCC spokesperson said in a statement. “Disney is obviously very concerned about the FCC’s proceeding, as evidenced by their ongoing campaign of disinformation as well as their decision to ask a court to stop the FCC from further pursuing matters.”

    So far, the FCC has not presented evidence 6abc or the other seven ABC stations have violated public interest requirements.

    “We’re very principled on this. We’re going to stand up to what we believe is journalistic integrity,” Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro said during a CNBC interview last week. “And we’re not going to be told how to run that side of our business.”

    FCC could move against 6abc and others soon

    FCC Chairman Brendan Carr with then President-elect Donald Trump in November 2024. Brandon Bell

    The next step would be for the FCC to issue a hearing designation order, which would officially begin a legal process that could end with the stations losing their broadcast licenses.

    ABC said in its lawsuit if the FCC issued such an order, an “adverse outcome is all-but-guaranteed.”

    A hearing would normally be decided by an administrative law judge, but the Trump-controlled commission could designate itself to to preside over the case. The commission has two Trump appointees and one Biden appointee, Anna Gomez, who praised ABC’s “courage” and willingness to fight back.

    “For months, the FCC has waged a campaign of censorship and control against Disney’s ABC stations, using the threat of broadcast license revocations to punish a company for speech this administration doesn’t like,” Gomez said in a statement. “This should be a welcome sign for every broadcaster who has felt the weight of this overreaching government pressure in silence.”

    If the FCC moves to revoke 6abc and the other stations’ broadcast licenses, Disney could appeal the case to federal court. The legal process could take years.

    “Regardless of the outcome, the adjudication itself would be immensely harmful to ABC and the stations,” the lawsuit states. “The proceedings are likely to be expensive and protracted.”

    It’s been nearly 40 years since the FCC revoked a TV station’s broadcast license. The last time it happened was in 1987, when RKO General Inc. lost its licenses in Boston, New York, and Los Angeles because of business misconduct.

    There is no official timeline, but the FCC’s final deadline for public comments was Aug. 5, and respondents were overwhelmingly supportive of 6abc and the network’s other local stations.

    “The loss of 6ABC broadcasting would deeply impact the Philadelphia region,” wrote the Philadelphia Police Foundation, ”removing a trusted journalistic voice and a critical pillar of support that local nonprofits and public safety organizations rely upon.”