Philly natives Eric Gentry and Ke’Shawn Williams will make their bid for a roster spot with the Bengals on Friday

When the Eagles host the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday night for the preseason finale, neither team will likely send out its starters. But Philly fans will get a glimpse of their own on the opposite sideline.

Wide receiver Ke’Shawn Williams and linebacker Eric Gentry, both of whom grew up and played their high school ball in Philadelphia, will return to the city that helped mold them into professional football players.

Gentry, who starred at Neumann Goretti then Southern Cal, says returning “feels very much like a full circle moment” after being signed by the Bengals as a free agent following the 2026 NFL draft.

» READ MORE: Forged in Philly, linebacker Eric Gentry breaks the mold

“I’m really happy for this opportunity to be able to showcase my talent, especially in front of my hometown. Most importantly, in front of my hometown,” Gentry told The Inquirer by phone. “Being able to be in the city and have family be able to come out there and see me, and I think more importantly, this being the last preseason game, so being able to get more opportunities than I may have gotten before. I just want to make myself be prepared and work as much as I can this week, just to put in the time and effort.”

Williams and Gentry, beyond both being from the Philly area, share another commonality: They played for the North Philly Blackhawks Pop Warner team together, with the 6-foot-7 Gentry noting that “our coach always said [Williams] was the best player on the field.”

“It shows that other guys you’re competing with — all the work that they put in was worth it. You got to that end result,” said Williams, a former Springside Chestnut Hill Academy standout. “[Gentry’s] still fighting, of course. He’s not satisfied just getting here, but it’s cool to see a guy from the same background, from a similar background and similar upbringing, to also make it here and see him compete at this level as well.”

While Gentry is experiencing his first training camp and preseason, Williams is in his second season after initially signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent last year. Williams didn’t make the initial 53-man roster, but ended up on the practice squad.

He was elevated to the active roster in October, playing eight games in Pittsburgh primarily as a return specialist. He returned 11 punts for 112 yards, and 18 kickoffs for 425 yards, before being claimed off waivers by Cincinnati last December.

» READ MORE: Don’t panic over Eagles rookie tight end Eli Stowers. Here’s where he can improve and who he might become

He appeared in three games for Cincinnati to close the season, also primarily in a returner role, but caught his first NFL pass in a Dec. 28 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Now, he’s trying to make the Bengals’ roster out of training camp. He racked up 95 yards on nine punt returns with the Bengals and another 203 yards on eight kick returns.

“When you go out there and compete in the preseason, you’re not only competing for the team that you’re currently on, but also all other 31 teams in the league that are watching, and it’s just a reminder to go out there and you know not to add any extra pressure on yourself, but to go out there and put your best stuff on tape because that becomes your resume,” Williams said. “Coming into this training camp, coming into this preseason, understanding that the opportunities may be limited, but you know when they come around, it’s like ‘What do you do with them?’

“And if you have a couple of splash days, a couple of teams around the league are also watching.”

Gentry, who added that he’s been “grinding and learning” this summer, noted that the biggest difference between college and the NFL is “understanding a lot of the stuff that goes outside of football that helps with on-the-field [matters].” A conversation last week with Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift, a fellow Philadelphian , helped put in perspective the importance of “keeping a routine and keeping your head on right.”

Leaning on Williams has also been part of Gentry’s education to the NFL.

» READ MORE: Which players with local ties were signed to NFL rosters? We rounded up the draft picks and free agents.

“He don’t talk too much. He just puts his work in. Never complain. Never gets too up. Never gets too down or anything. Just stays mellow and just worry about himself,” Gentry said.

Williams, meanwhile, has soaked in the opportunity to work alongside Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, one of the top wideout duos in the NFL. The second-year player says he’s been observing “their IQ for route running and savviness of playing the ball in the air,” and noting the “tips and tricks” he can apply to his game.

They will be put to the test Friday night with Williams and Gentry expected to get extended playing time. Gentry, who has mainly played special teams in preseason, will likely play more defensive snaps, specifically at weakside linebacker.

While there may not be many Bengals fans in the crowd, expect a large presence representing Gentry and Williams. Beyond their families, many who knew them growing up will be in the stands, watching them play in the city for the first time since high school.

“I don’t know nobody who isn’t trying to see what’s up for this week,” Gentry said with a laugh. ”I’ve been happy though because it shows a lot of support from the city, and it was so many people — even at [my draft party] that you know said they couldn’t make it, but wanted to be there, and was texting me before the draft. … Just always having people who always supported me, who is going to be there.”

Added Williams: “It’s a special occasion. I don’t want to make it bigger than it is … but in the back of my mind, you could never get over the full fact that you get to come home and play in front of your loved ones. I’m hoping I get out there and make a couple of plays. That is something worthwhile seeing.”