Philadelphia’s primary punt returner could be back this weekend.
The Philadelphia Eagles officially announced four roster moves on Wednesday afternoon. An overview:
- WR Britain Covey’s 21-day practice window to return from injured reserve was opened.
- TE Nick Muse and OL Cameron Erving were signed to the practice squad.
- DE KJ Henry was released from the practice squad.
Let’s sort through this news on a player-by-player basis.
BRITAIN COVEY
The Eagles placed Covey — who was dealing with a neck injury — on injured reserve for a second time this season prior to Week 17. Now that he’s missed four games, he’s eligible to be activated to the roster.
Covey’s injury issues have limited him to just five games played this season. He hasn’t posted great numbers as a punt returner (six returns for 46 yards, 7.7 average) or a wide receiver (8 targets, 7 receptions, 34 yards).
Still, Covey was arguably the NFL’s best punt returner in 2023. Assuming he’s healthy enough to play this weekend against the Washington Commanders, he might be able to give the Eagles a boost on special teams.
At the very least, Covey’s return to the roster would allow Cooper DeJean to focus solely on playing defense and not have to worry about handling punt returns. DeJean muffed a punt that he was able to recover in the Eagles’ win over the Los Angeles Rams.
NICK MUSE
Muse, 26, was originally selected by the Minnesota Vikings with a seventh-round pick (No. 227) in the 2022 NFL Draft.
He played 19 offensive snaps and 184 special teams snaps in 16 career games played over three years. During that span, he saw a single target, which resulted in 22-yard catch. Efficient!
Muse finished the 2024 season on the Vikings’ practice squad. He did not sign a reserve/future contract with them.
Now in Philly, he’ll provide tight end depth and potentially end up on the 2025 offseason roster.
CAMERON ERVING
You’ll recall Erving as a first-round pick from the 2015 NFL Draft (No. 19 overall, one selection ahead of Nelson Agholor!).
The 32-year-old blocker has had a journeyman career; the Eagles are the eighth different team he’s joined.
Erving has logged 58 starts in 98 career games played. His last regular season game action came with the New Orleans Saints in 2023.
In addition to experience, Erving brings versatility to the table. A look at his career snap counts by offensive line position:
Left tackle — 1,514
Left guard — 1,156
Center — 659
Right guard — 406
Right tackle — 252
The Eagles already have 11 offensive linemen on their active roster (and only eight of those dress for game day) but now they have even more depth with Erving in the fold.
KJ HENRY
In an effort to add edge rusher depth, the Eagles originally signed Henry to their practice squad in the aftermath of Brandon Graham’s triceps injury that landed the veteran defensive end on injured reserve.
Henry was since deemed expendable. Veteran defensive lineman Charles Harris, also on the practice squad, has been ahead of him in the pecking order.
EAGLES PRACTICE SQUAD
Practice squad players can be temporarily elevated to the game day roster up to three times in the regular season and an unlimited number of times in the postseason.
TE Nick Muse
OL Cameron Erving
LB Nicholas Morrow
FB Khari Blasingame
QB Ian Book
DB Tariq Castro-Fields
RB Tyrion Davis-Price
LB Dallas Gant
WR Danny Gray
DT Gabe Hall
DE Charles Harris
DE Ochaun Mathis
CB Parry Nickerson
WR Kyle Philips
S Andre’ Sam
DB A.J. Woods
OT Laekin Vakalahi (international exemption)
