Outside linebacker Terrell Lewis had started three straight games when a back injury sidelined him for two contests with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022. He hasn’t played in an NFL regular-season contest since.

The Rams released Lewis on Dec. 16, 2022. He finished that season on the Chicago Bears’ practice squad. In 2023, Lewis spent three weeks on the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad after failing to make the Bears’ regular-season roster.

Lewis signed with the Philadelphia Eagles on Jan. 18 and is battling uphill for a spot on the regular-season roster. The depth chart lists him as a fourth-teamer.

But in the Eagles’ 14-13 preseason victory over the New England Patriots on Thursday night, Lewis contributed a key sack.

On a third-and-8 snap at the New England 11-yard line, Lewis took down Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III for an 8-yard loss with 2:59 to play.

New England had to punt 95 seconds after losing its lead when Philadelphia running back Kendall Milton scored on a 1-yard run and quarterback Tanner McKee tossed a 2-point conversion pass to wide receiver Ainias Smith.

The Patriots got a final possession, but Eagles linebacker Brandon Smith recovered a fumble with 1:47 to play to seal the victory.

A third-round selection from Alabama in the 2020 NFL Draft, Lewis played in 30 regular-season games and one playoff contest with the Rams and was a member of the team that defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in Super Bowl LVI on Feb. 13, 2022.

Lewis was among the 13 players from Alabama high schools and colleges who got on the field on Thursday night:

· Patriots center Jake Andrews (Stanhope Elmore, Troy) is on injured reserve and not eligible to play.

· Patriots wide receiver Javon Baker (Alabama) had a 12-yard reception.

· Patriots wide receiver Kawaan Baker (South Alabama) did not record any stats.

· Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore (Alabama) did not play. Barmore has not practiced since New England announced on July 28 that he had been hospitalized with blood clots. He is no longer in the hospital.

· Eagles safety Reed Blankenship (West Limestone) did not play.

· James Bradberry (Pleasant Grove, Samford) started at cornerback for the Eagles. Bradberry made two tackles.

· Eagles guard Landon Dickerson (Alabama) did not play.

· Bryce Huff (St. Paul’s Episcopal) started at defensive end for the Eagles. Huff made three tackles, which came on the New England offense’s first, second and sixth snaps of the game.

· Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (Alabama) did not play.

· Anfernee Jennings (Dadeville, Alabama) started at linebacker for the Patriots. Jennings made two tackles.

· Eagles cornerback Josh Jobe (Alabama) made one tackle and broke up one pass.

· Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones (Auburn) did not play.

· Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones (Enterprise, Troy) did not play.

· Patriots safety Dell Pettus (Sparkman, Troy) made three tackles on defense and two tackles on special teams.

· Eagles cornerback Eli Ricks (Alabama) made one tackle on defense and one tackle on special teams.

· Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (Alabama) did not play.

· Tyler Steen (Alabama) started at right guard for the Eagles. Steen went down on a play with 1:07 left in the first quarter, but he was able to walk to the sideline medical tent after being checked on the field. A cart carried Steen from the sidelines to the locker room, and he did not return to the game. Steen has missed practice time at training camp because of a left ankle injury.

· C.J. Uzomah (Auburn) started at tight end for the Eagles. Uzomah did not record any stats.

· Patriots cornerback Mikey Victor (Alabama State) made one tackle on defense and one tackle on special teams.

· Eagles wide receiver Austin Watkins (UAB) had three receptions for 28 yards.

New England won its preseason opener 17-3 over the Carolina Panthers on Aug. 8. The Patriots conclude their preseason schedule against the Washington Commanders at 7 p.m. CDT Agu. 25 at Commanders Field in Landover, Maryland.

Philadelphia won its preseason opener 16-13 over the Baltimore Ravens on Aug. 9. The Eagles conclude their preseason schedule against the Minnesota Vikings at noon Aug. 24 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.