Nick Sirianni, Philadelphia Eagles Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Eagles stay mum while Bengals share plans for starters in first preseason game

Originally posted on Inside the Iggles
By Anthony Miller | Last updated Aug 5, 2025 11:00 AM ET

Thursday's first preseason game of the year for the Philadelphia Eagles will be interesting, given their strategy, as their opponents, the Cincinnati Bengals, have their ideas about what they will do.

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni spoke with the media before their Tuesday practice, where he was asked about what the plan is for the starters and how much they will play. Sirianni told reporters that he has not made a decision on whether the starters will play against the Bengals or not.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor is going in the opposite direction, as NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared that Taylor told reporters they will be playing the starters for several possessions on Thursday. The hope is Cincinnati will get off to a fast start and build that momentum into the regular season.

#Bengals coach Zac Taylor tells reporters that QB Joe Burrow and other big name players will play several series on Thursday night and more in game two against the #Commanders. New way of doing it, with eyes on starting fast.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 5, 2025

Should Sirianni play the starters in the first preseason game?

If Sirianni were going back and forth on whether the starters should play, it wouldn't be the end of the world to get a series or two in there. Over the past week at training camp, the offense has struggled to get into rhythm due to inconsistent play.

There are numerous young defensive starters who could benefit from more game reps to start building chemistry. New starters like Moro Ojomo, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., and whoever starts at safety between Andrew Mukuba and Sydney Brown. The defensive starters could use the playing time more than the offense.

It would be about being as cautious as possible. If the Bengals plan to play their starters for a while in the first quarter, the Eagles shouldn't match them. Play one or two series and get them out of there.

Staying healthy is more important than anything for the Eagles. The Bengals are coming off a losing season, so they need to work more. Philly is coming off a Super Bowl, so be cautious during preseason.

The Eagles should play their starters more next week and focus more this week on some reps and protecting the players from injury.

This article first appeared on Inside the Iggles and was syndicated with permission.

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