Eagles' Cole Payton: Inactive, emergency QB versus Dallas
Rotowire
Payton (coach's decision) is inactive for Monday's game against the Cowboys but will serve as the team's emergency quarterback.
Payton will serve as the emergency signal-caller. However, unless Tanner McKee and Joe Milton exit the game due to injury, illness or ejection, Payton won't be on the field.
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Eagles' Cole Payton: Moves up to second on depth chart
Rotowire
Payton is active as the backup to starting quarterback Tanner McKee in Sunday's game against the Panthers.
A rookie fifth-round pick out of North Dakota State, Payton has yet to make his NFL debut, but he's one step closer to doing so after Jalen Hurts (calf) was placed on injured reserve Saturday. Payton had slotted third or fourth on the depth chart through the first five games of the season, but he'll be dressing as the No. 2 option while McKee draws his third career NFL start. Since he's set to become a free agent after the season and may not be viewed as the Eagles' long-term plan at the backup quarterback spot, McKee could be in danger of losing his grip on the starting job if he struggles in his extended snaps while Hurts remains out indefinitely. Payton could be someone to keep an eye on if the Eagles decide to give him a look at any point, as he displayed intriguing rushing skills during his collegiate career and gained 45 yards on three carries during his limited preseason action.
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Eagles' Cole Payton: Makes impact in preseason loss
Rotowire
Payton completed four of nine passes for 37 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions and added three rushes for 45 yards in the Eagles' 24-7 preseason loss to the Ravens on Saturday.
The rookie fifth-round pick is strictly a developmental project, but Payton flashed some playmaking ability while saving the Eagles from a shutout with a late six-yard touchdown pass to Erik Ezukanma. Payton also accrued a team-high rushing yardage total with the help of a game-long 17-yard run, making it an eventful pro debut overall. Payton should continue to have ample second-half opportunities over Philadelphia's final two preseason games.
