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Cole Payton sparks Eagles in preseason opener against Ravens

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 17, 2026, 4:53 PM

Last updated Aug 17, 2026

Cole Payton sparks Eagles in preseason opener against Ravens

Summary

Cole Payton provided a late spark for the Philadelphia Eagles in their preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens on August 17, 2026. Trailing 17-0 entering the fourth quarter, Payton completed four passes for 37 yards and a touchdown, along with 45 rushing yards. He connected with Erik Ezukanma for a 6-yard touchdown, marking the Eagles' only points of the night. The performance offered a contrast to struggles from established quarterbacks Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee, both of whom failed to score during their time on the field. Payton's mobility and extended plays could influence the Eagles' quarterback depth chart moving forward.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Payton scored the Eagles' only touchdown in the preseason opener
•Eagles trailed Ravens 17-0 before Payton's involvement
•Dalton and McKee struggled to generate offensive momentum
•Payton's mobility helped extend crucial plays
•Coaching staff sees potential for development in Payton

Latest Updates

11:10 AMYahoo Sports — Rookie QB Cole Payton gave the Eagles' offense some life in listless preseason opener
4:53 PMYahoo Sports — Cole Payton gave the Eagles a spark in a difficult preseason opener

What they're saying

"
The Eagles' offense didn't play its starters in the preseason opener, and the backups couldn't move the ball much — until fourth-string rookie quarterback Cole Payton entered the game in the fourth quarter.
— Yahoo Sports