Some news prior to Friday night’s kickoff.
The Philadelphia Eagles officially announced two roster moves ahead of their Week 1 Friday night game against the Green Bay Packers in Brazil. An overview:
- OL Nick Gates and TE E.J. Jenkins were temporarily elevated from the practice squad.
Note: teams can temporarily promote practice squad players up to three times each in the regular season and an unlimited number of times in the postseason.
Let’s sort through this news on a player-by-player basis.
NICK GATES
Back when the Eagles signed Gates to their practice squad, it was reported that he was going to be temporarily elevated for Week 1. He figures to be their top backup center option behind Cam Jurgens. Gates could also see playing time if there’s an injury or two at guard. The Eagles are obviously hoping that Gates doesn’t have to play. If he does, though, it’s good to know that this is a player with 29 career starts over 44 games played. Experienced depth option.
E.J. JENKINS
With Dallas Goedert and Grant Calcaterra as the only two tight ends on the active roster, it always seemed like the Eagles would call up another player at this position. It was thought that Jack Stoll, who was TE2 of seasons past, could be that guy. But he was curiously not one of the seven Eagles practice squad members who were brought down to Brazil. And so we’ll instead see Jenkins providing some depth and contributing on special teams.
