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The Philadelphia Eagles officially announced four roster moves ahead of their NFC Championship Game matchup against the Washington Commanders. An overview:
- OL Cameron Erving was released from the practice squad.
- FB Khari Blasingame and LB Nicholas Morrow were temporarily elevated from the practice squad.
- DE KJ Henry was re-signed to 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.
CAMERON ERVING
The Eagles originally added Erving to their practice squad earlier this week.
At the time, it was unclear why the team was signing the veteran. Then it became clear that they wanted more depth with Cam Jurgens missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday due to a back injury.
Jurgens was able to practice in a limited capacity on Friday, however, and there are reportedly indications he’s going to be able to suit up on Sunday. This despite him officially being ruled “questionable” on the final injury report.
The Eagles cutting Erving could be another sign that they expect Jurgens to play.
KHARI BLASINGAME
The Eagles previously elevated Blasingame for their last two playoff games. His snap counts from those:
- Wild Card vs. Green Bay Packers — 2 offense, 10 special teams
- Divisional Round vs. Los Angeles Rams — 15 special teams
At the very least, Blasingame will contribute on special teams.
Whether he sees some occasional snaps as a fullback remains to be seen.
For what it’s worth, Blasingame did play one offensive snap against the Commanders in Week 16.
NICHOLAS MORROW
The Eagles previously elevated Morrow for their last playoff game. He logged 18 special teams snaps.
Elevating Morrow gives the Eagles a fourth off-ball linebacker behind Zack Baun, Oren Burks, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
KJ HENRY
The Eagles released Henry earlier this week. Now that Erving is gone, he’s back.
COMMANDERS RULE OUT DARON PAYNE
The Commanders officially downgraded starting defensive tackle Daron Payne from questionable to OUT.
Payne, who hasn’t missed a game since 2019, did not practice all week due a “knee/finger” injury designation.
The Commanders’ defense, which has already been struggling, could be worse with their 2022 Pro Bowler not suiting up. Payne is their biggest defensive lineman at 6’3”, 320 pounds.
Among Washington players, Payne ranks tied for third in pressures generated and fourth in sacks this season. He leads all Commanders defensive tackles in snaps played by a considerable margin.
With Payne and starting right guard Sam Cosmi both out, the Commanders are dealing with some significant injuries in the trenches.
Big loss for the Commanders.
On first-and-10 runs this year with Payne on the field, the Commanders had a 64.4% Success Rate on defense, which was about average.
Over 97 first-and-10 carries without Payne, that dropped to 51.6%, which was last in the league. https://t.co/IA8g2tvx6c
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) January 25, 2025
For perspective… if you were wondering why Tampa Bay was getting strapped in the run game but then you saw Bucky Irving take tf off in the second half for a stretch, it was at that time that Payne broke his finger and came out for a little while. That was Tampa.
— Jamual (@LetMualTellit) January 25, 2025
