Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Top 5 Rookies in Action for the Eagles vs Cowboys Game

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Football fans, the long-awaited and much-anticipated start of the 2025-26 NFL season is finally here as we have this year’s season opener taking place tonight on prime time Thursday Night Football (TNF). The Philadelphia Eagles get ready to host the Dallas Cowboys in an all too familiar NFC East divisional rivalry.

Playing at home for the first time after their Super Bowl win, the Eagles will be hyped to begin their title defense, while the Cowboys will look to put the Micah Parsons trade behind them in this difficult road game to begin the season.

Top names from both sides, such as Jalen Hurts, Dak Prescott, Saquon Barkley, and others, are expected to make an impact on the game from the get-go, but this will also be the first big test for all rookies in action tonight.

🚨 EAGLES VS. COWBOYS TO KICK OFF THE 2025 SEASON 🚨#Kickoff2025 pic.twitter.com/PEHaVYvlxB
— NFL (@NFL) May 12, 2025

Rookies to Watch in Eagles vs Cowboys Game Tonight

It has been a long wait for all the rookies drafted or signed as free agents in the NFL. In fact, it’s been a little over four months since these youngsters learned their fates, but the moment to shine is finally here. So, let us take a look at the top 5 rookies in action for the Eagles vs the Cowboys game.

Jihaad Campbell – LB – Philadelphia Eagles

Linebacker Jihaad Campbell was the first-round pick of the Eagles, selected 31st overall. It was yet another selection by Philly looking to bolster its already efficient defense. With Zack Baun missing time in practice, Campbell received plenty of first-team reps, and he did not disappoint.

While the rookie still has areas to work on and get better at, the Eagles know they have a dependable backup who could make an impact even from week 1.

.@Eagles first-round pick Jihaad Campbell sacks Dillon Gabriel!

Watch on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/z0VBklrBaa
— NFL (@NFL) August 16, 2025

Andrew Mukuba – S – Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles’ safety Andrew Mukuba was drafted in the second round this year. He didn’t get off to a flying start, but that was because of a shoulder injury that limited him from making an impact.

However, his performances improved towards the end of training camp, and his contribution in the second preseason game was noteworthy with a pick 6 and a fumble recovery. Mukuba is expected to be the backup safety to Sydney Brown, but the 22-year-old can impress in the limited snaps he may see.

Adoree’ Jackson or Jakorian Bennett, whoever gets the starting spot better be ready to make their mark. Meanwhile, Sydney Brown is listed as the starter, but Andrew Mukuba is showing he’s ready to compete. 💪 pic.twitter.com/eSXfFOlIpD
— Seth Joyner (@sethjoyner) September 3, 2025

Tyler Booker – G – Dallas Cowboys

With All-Pro guard Zack Martin having retired from the NFL, the Cowboys knew they needed to look for a suitable replacement in the draft. Dallas did just that by selecting Tyler Booker with the 12th overall pick.

Of course, comparing him to Martin is just not fair at this stage of his career, but Dallas can still expect quality work from their rookie. Booker is an effective run blocker, but he will need to improve his pass blocking.

Donovan Ezeiruaku – Edge – Dallas Cowboys

Drafted in the second round by Dallas this year, edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku was one of the big names in the draft at his position. He is coming off an impressive showing in training camp and should have a big role to play in the middle of Dallas’ defense.

Jaydon Blue – RB – Dallas Cowboys

Running back Jaydon Blue was not a name at the top of the draft projections earlier in the offseason. However, the Texas Longhorns’ alum has proven his worth during camp. He excelled in catching the ball and demonstrated an explosive burst as a rusher. Blue is the third-string running back on the roster, but he could make an impact during limited snaps.

Phil Mafah and Jaydon Blue could be the best 1-2 punch at RB in the NFL pic.twitter.com/rkXgmVsBGc
— Ernie The Cowboys Fan (@E_TheCowboysFan) August 23, 2025

It is the first taste of professional football at the highest level for all rookies taking the field tonight, and mistakes are bound to happen. But in football, anything can happen, and who knows, maybe one of them could be part of a crucial play for either team.

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

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Devavrat Kulkarni

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I am a content writer for the NFL team, and joined The Playoffs after working with Sportskeeda and NFL Analysis as an NFL writer. After starting my professional career as a French-to-English translator, working as a content writer is a new adventure for me. I started out in the sports media field for two main reasons: my love for sports in general, especially the NFL, NBA, and Tennis, as well as my passion for writing. The best part of this job is that I get to write a variety of pieces with the freedom to explore content from various angles. It also enables me to stay up to date with the sporting world, which otherwise can be difficult to do in the day-to-day grind. In a world full of chaos, sports unite and entertain like nothing else!