Philadelphia Eagles third-year cornerback Kelee Ringo isn’t technically on thin ice yet after his first two starts of the 2025 season. Still, he hasn’t done enough to secure the CB2 job, which has been an ongoing discussion since training camp.
Ringo was targeted a lot in the Eagles’ Week 5 loss to the Denver Broncos, as he allowed four receptions (seven targets) for 56 yards. He also gave up three first downs, along with a critical two-point conversion that gave the Broncos a lead in the fourth quarter.
That said, the young cornerback has a prime opportunity to redeem himself on Thursday night, as he’ll face a New York Giants’ passing game led by a rookie quarterback in Jaxson Dart, and that will also be missing one of their top receivers. On Wednesday morning, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton is not expected to play because of a hamstring injury.
Without Slayton, the Giants will likely walk into Thursday night’s game with Wan’Dale Robinson, Jaylin Hyatt, Beaux Collins, and possibly Lil’Jordan Humphrey, per Connor J. Hughes of The Athletic.
Kelee Ringo Must Step Up in Week 6 to Keep Adoree’ Jackson at Bay
Looking at New York’s receiver unit, it doesn’t come close to what the Denver Broncos have or even the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who didn’t even target Ringo in Week 4. Therefore, Eagles fans should expect that Ringo will keep guys in front of him and also make a tackle if need be.
If he cannot give up a ton of yards and doesn’t get beat off the line of scrimmage by a guy like Robinson, who will be targeted a ton (34 targets through five games), or Hyatt, who has the speed to take the top off the defense, it will keep him in the good graces of Eagles fans and head coach Vic Fangio.
On Tuesday, Fangio was asked about Ringo sticking as the starter, and he responded with “possibly.” However, the long-time defensive coordinator didn’t shut down the idea of Jackson playing either, who returned to the field last week after missing Week 4 due to a groin injury.
"At this point, nothing. We have to make a decision between those two and I think Kelee's done well. I mean, at the minimum, they could both play, Fangio said when asked about Ringo must improve to become a full-time starter (h/t Zach Berman of The Athletic).
Based on Fangio’s comments, it seems like he wants to see Ringo take control of the CB2 job, and against a beleaguered Giants’ WR unit, he has that chance to make a game-changing play and cement himself as the guy.
However, if Ringo misses open-field tackles and gives up a couple of explosive passing plays (20-plus yards or more), the door is back open for Jackson, who showed improvement in Weeks 2 and 3 after getting torched in Week 1 by the Dallas Cowboys.