The Philadelphia Eagles typically take an extremely cautious path when it comes to their starters and key players during the NFL preseason. Reps are important, but getting to the regular season healthy is obviously more important.
Therefore, when players don’t play in the preseason, it tends to drop a hint at a player’s chances of making the team or playing a key role.
Ahead of the Eagles’ second preseason battle against the New England Patriots, it was pointed out that Hollywood Brown’s lack of participation in game two is a good sign for the veteran, who hasn’t exactly had a standout offseason so far.
Ex-NFL First-Round Pick Gets Good Sign From Eagles vs Patriots
GettyKANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – OCTOBER 19: Marquise Brown #5 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders in the game at Arrowhead Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
“Jihaad Campbell and Hollywood Brown among the Eagles who played in the preseason opener but are not suited up for this game. Appears to be a good sign for Brown’s roster stock,” NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Dave Zangaro wrote.
The chances of Hollywood Brown not making the Eagles’ final roster were pretty slim—even when most insiders pointed out that he was having an underwhelming run in training camp.
However, the Eagles signed Brown with the intention of having him play a key role for them this year. A starting position is available to Brown, but he has to earn it. The fact that he didn’t play, but the thriving Darius Cooper did, is a sign that Brown might have the upper hand at this time.
The History Of Hollywood Brown
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 21: Marquise Brown #5 of the Kansas City Chiefs in action during the NFL 2025 game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 21, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Entering the NFL, Hollywood Brown had high expectations.
Coming out of Oklahoma, the speedy wideout was selected 25th overall by the Baltimore Ravens. As a rookie, Brown caught 46 passes for 584 yards and seven touchdowns.
He improved in year two with 769 yards and eight touchdowns. By year three, Brown had his first 1,000-yard year, tacking on six touchdowns. From there on out, he regressed during stints with the Arizona Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs.
In his last run, Brown appeared in 16 games with the Chiefs. He caught 49 passes for 587 yards and five touchdowns.
With the Eagles cutting ties with AJ Brown, the door was wide open for an Eagles receiver to take up the No. 2 spot that DeVonta Smith moves away from. Dontayvion Wicks likely locked that spot up. Now, Brown is battling with Cooper and the rookie Makai Lemon for that WR3 spot.