Quinyon Mitchell, Darius Slay, and Isaiah Rodgers weighed in on rookie cornerback Jahan Dotson’s much-anticipated home debut on Monday Night Football, where he’ll face veteran QB Kirk Cousins. Last time Dotson took the field back in October, he had a breakout performance with eight catches for 108 yards against the Eagles at FedEx Field. Now, the Eagles are hoping for a repeat—or even half that—as Dotson prepares to step up in the face of an unexpected challenge.
Dotson, who went without a catch in his Eagles debut during a preseason game in São Paulo, might be called to take on a larger role this Monday when the Eagles face the Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field. With superstar wide receiver A.J. Brown—who has the 3rd-most receiving yards in the NFL since joining the Eagles in 2022—listed as questionable after suffering a hamstring injury in Friday’s practice, Dotson may need to step in.
“I’m extremely comfortable,” Dotson said after Saturday’s practice. “We’re preparing as if A.J. is playing, but if my opportunities come, I’m going to take full advantage. That’s what I was brought here to do—make the most of every opportunity.”
The Eagles have cycled through several third-receiver options in recent years—Quez Watkins, Zach Pascal, Olamide Zaccheaus, Julio Jones—without much success. With John Ross and Parris Campbell unable to secure the third outside spot during training camp, the Eagles traded for Dotson on Aug. 22, sending a 3rd-round pick and two 7th-rounders to the Commanders in exchange for Dotson and a 5th-round pick.
Despite being the 16th overall pick in the 2022 draft, Dotson struggled to make a significant impact in Washington. He recorded 84 catches for 1,041 yards and 11 touchdowns in 29 games, surpassing 60 receiving yards in only five of his 26 starts. However, the Eagles are optimistic that with Jalen Hurts at quarterback and a stronger offensive unit around him, Dotson can contribute consistently and force defenses to stay honest.
“I’m feeling more comfortable in the playbook and with my role on this team,” Dotson said. “It’s been a daily process, but I’m getting more comfortable every day.”
In his preseason appearance against the Packers, Dotson played 30 snaps but wasn’t able to secure a catch, with his lone target nearly being intercepted.
“Every team in the league runs similar plays,” Dotson explained. “The biggest challenge is adjusting to new terminology. It’s like learning a new language. I’m getting the hang of it, and I feel confident heading into Monday night.”
Dotson’s journey to the Eagles has a local flavor. He attended Nazareth Area High School, just 10 miles from the Eagles’ old training camp at Lehigh, and later spent a year at the Peddie School in New Jersey before starring at Penn State, where he posted an impressive senior season with 91 catches, 1,182 yards, and 12 touchdowns.
If Dotson starts on Monday, it will be the first time since 1997 that two Penn State players have started for the Eagles in the same game. The last pair, Michael Timpson and Mike Zordich, also faced the Falcons, but at the Georgia Dome.
Having played at Lincoln Financial Field as an opponent, Dotson is looking forward to suiting up for the home team. “It’s going to be electric on Monday night,” he said. “Personally, I love night games, so I’m really excited.”
As the Eagles prepare for their home opener, Dotson is ready to seize his moment under the bright lights.