Posted August 21, 2025

Philadelphia, PA – August 20, 2025

Through two preseason games, one undrafted wideout has forced his way into the Eagles’ roster conversation. Darius Cooper—undrafted out of Tarleton State—announced himself in the opener with 6 receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown, including a 20-yard strike from Tanner McKee that lit up Lincoln Financial Field.

Week 2 brought a dose of reality in a 22–13 loss to the Browns, where Cooper was held without a catch—but coaches and writers still noted his effort and continued push for a roster spot as camp winds down. 

Practice hasn’t quieted the buzz either. In the final camp tune-up, Jalen Hurts repeatedly found Cooper for scores, a sign that the rookie’s timing and trust with the starters are real—not just a preseason mirage. 

Up next is the last audition: Eagles at Jets, Friday, August 22, 7:30 PM ET at MetLife Stadium (how to watch/stream below). For Philadelphia, it’s about locking in those final spots. For Cooper, it’s one more night to turn momentum into a job. 

But every highlight casts a shadow that doesn’t show up on a stat sheet.

“My parents divorced when I was 10. Both went on to build new families, while I lived a tough but happy life with my grandparents and never saw them again. Now, as I earn my first paycheck, they’ve both returned to congratulate me.”

The sentiment fits the way Cooper plays: turning fracture into fuel, lonely work into consistent separation, and every contested catch into a declaration that he belongs.

Cutdown day looms on Monday, August 26 (4:00 p.m. ET)—clipboards, grades, and tough decisions. For the Eagles, it’s a numbers game. For Darius Cooper, it’s the chance to turn survival into belonging—and belonging into a career