Eagles-Vikings snap counts: Why did Nolan Smith play so much?

The official snap counts from the Philadelphia Eagles’ preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings are in. Let’s take a look.

OFFENSE

• If things go according to plan, Dylan McMahon will likely be a healthy scratch all season. So, this was one last chance to get the rookie a bunch of snaps.
• Backup offensive line contenders Darian Kinnard, Brett Toth, Max Scharping, and Nick Gates all played the same amount. The Eagles will probably keep at least one of those guys on the roster. I have Toth as the favorite.
• Ainias Smith caught six of his nine targets for 36 yards. 6.0 yards per reception is far from thrilling but give him credit for not messing up, which is a big upgrade from where he was at earlier this summer. Smith also had a nice punt return go for 14 yards.
• E.J. Jenkins missed his chance to make a big play by failing to bring in Tanner McKee’s pass to him in the end zone. Would’ve been a tough grab but roster bubble guys gotta make those ones.
• Griffin Hebert led the Eagles in receiving with three catches for 48 yards. He’s probably worth a practice squad spot for some team, if not Philly.
• Tanner McKee played most of the second half and was up and down.
• Joseph Ngata’s two targets resulted in two drops and one tipped pass that became an interception in the end zone. He already wasn’t in a great spot to make the roster and he only damaged his chances.
• Parris Campbell hasn’t looked like a must keep player. Could be OK to have around on the practice squad, though.
• Big missed opportunity by the Eagles to not get Kevin Foelsch a touchdown against the Vikings.
• Kenny Pickett played the first half and was ... fine. I think the Eagles feel encouraged he didn’t look as bad as he did in the first two preseason games. Low bar.
• Tyrion Davis-Price was first up at running back but played the least out of the RB4 candidates. The Eagles don’t need to keep a fourth running back on the roster.
• Armani Rogers made a catch despite getting put on his head:

• Anim Dankwah saw his first offensive snaps this preseason when the undrafted rookie lined up at left guard towards the end of the game.
• Laekin Vakalahi played in a real football game for the first time ever late in the fourth quarter. He lined up at left tackle. As an international exemption, he’ll spend this entire season practicing (not playing at all) and preparing to handle more reps/snaps next summer.
• Will Grier didn’t see much action this offseason as QB4 but the Eagles made sure to give him a little playing time for his efforts.

DEFENSE

• Andre’ Sam got a chance to put a lot of film out there. Don’t think teams will be coming for the 25-year-old rookie, though. Could return on the practice squad.
• Probably not the best sign for Tristin McCollum’s roster chances that he played the entire game. But he looked good against the Vikings as he did throughout this summer.
• Trevor Booker IV also played a lot for someone who is considered to be a roster bubble guy.
• Eli Ricks played slightly more than Josh Jobe. Not sure if that’s good, bad, or meaningless. Really useful analysis by me here.
• Cooper DeJean saw a good chunk of action in his first football game since last November. He looked a bit rusty in coverage but held up well against the run.
• Oren Burks was active in his Eagles debut. Enough to make the team? Doesn’t seem like they MUST keep him.
• Ben VanSumeren only strengthened his chances of making the roster by playing well on defense and special teams.
• You can’t tell me Brandon Smith can’t ball.
• Julian Okwara had three total QB hits and one TFL in limited playing time. Could the Eagles keep him as a sixth edge rusher? I don’t lean that way ... but he might be deserving of a roster spot somewhere. Getting him back on the practice squad would be ideal for the Eagles.
• Nolan Smith playing at all in this game, let alone with 1:25 left in the second quarter, just doesn’t seem like a great sign for how the coaches view him. Notice how the Eagles were very cautious with a lot of other players who figure to contribute this season? Yeah, well, Smith was not included in that group. And it’s not like Smith even made a great impression against lesser competition; he finished with one assisted tackle and zero other stats.
• Not included in the preceding table because it would’ve made for a weird image cropping: Shon Stephens played seven defensive snaps and three special teams snaps.

SPECIAL TEAMS

• Not much action for the specialists. Jake Elliott made his sole kick, a 41-yard field goal attempt (right after his make from 36 got cancelled by a false start).
• Tough break for Harris to suffer a concussion on the opening kickoff. He lost an opportunity to prove he belongs on a practice squad, though it’s possible the Eagles still keep him around.

DID NOT PLAY

DE Bryce Huff, QB Jalen Hurts, CB Darius Slay, WR DeVonta Smith, S C.J. Gardner-Johnson, WR A.J. Brown, RB Kenny Gainwell, LB Nakobe Dean, WR Britain Covey, OLB Josh Sweat, S Sydney Brown, C Kelee Ringo, C James Bradberry, RB Saquon Barkley, CB Avonte Maddox, CB Quinyon Mitchell, S Reed Blankenship, CB Isaiah Rodgers, S Caden Sterns, RB Will Shipley, LB Devin White, C Cam Jurgens, LB Zack Baun, DE Brandon Graham, OL Tyler Steen, OLB Jalyx Hunt, OT Lane Johnson, OT Jordan Mailata, OG Landon Dickerson, OT Fred Johnson, OL Matt Hennessy, OT Mekhi Becton, OG Trevor Keegan, TE Grant Calcaterra, WR John Ross, TE Albert Okwuegbunam, WR Jahan Dotson, TE Dallas Goedert, WR Johnny Wilson, DT Jordan Davis, DT Milton Williams, DT Jalen Carter

• The Eagles did not play offensive starters (save for Becton, who was battling for the RG job) for the entire preseason.
• The following players were unavailable due to injury: Sydney Brown, Sterns, Hunt, Hennessy, Keegan, Ross, Albert O, and Wilson.
• Dotson wasn’t available to play since he hasn’t even practiced with the team since they traded for him.