BG is officially back!
The Philadelphia Eagles officially announced four roster moves on Saturday afternoon ahead of their Super Bowl LIX matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. An overview:
- DE Brandon Graham was activated from injured reserve.
- OL Nick Gates was placed on injured reserve.
- FB Khari Blasingame and LB Nicholas Morrow were temporarily elevated from the practice squad.
Let’s sort through this news on a player-by-player basis.
BRANDON GRAHAM
BG IS BACK!
For what might be the final game of his NFL career.
It’s pretty cool that Graham is getting a chance to play again after suffering what was originally believed to be a season-ending triceps injury back in late November.
It’d be even cooler if Graham goes out on top with a game-clinching strip sack on Patrick Mahomes like he did to Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII.
It remains to be seen how often Graham will play and just how effective he’ll be. Prior to his injury, the 36-year-old defensive end was having a great season.
The expectation here is that Graham will give the Eagles some good snaps in a four-man pass rush rotation that also features Nolan Smith, Josh Sweat, and Jalyx Hunt.
Time for BG to empty the tank.
NICK GATES
Gates, who’s normally a healthy scratch as a depth offensive lineman, just so happened to suffer a groin injury in practice this week. Just in time to open up a roster spot for BG’s return.
KHARI BLASINGAME
The Eagles previously elevated Blasingame for their last three 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
- NFC Championship Game vs. Washington Commanders — 1 offense, 9 special teams
At the very least, Blasingame will contribute on special teams. Perhaps he’ll play an offensive snap or two as a fullback.
NICHOLAS MORROW
The Eagles previously elevated Morrow for their last two playoff games. Save for four garbage time snaps, he’s only played on special teams.
Elevating Morrow gives the Eagles a fourth off-ball linebacker behind Zack Baun, Oren Burks, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
NOTABLE NON-MOVE
The Eagles could’ve activated C.J. Uzomah from injured reserve but they opted to keep him on IR and stick with E.J. Jenkins as their third tight end.
Chiefs roster moves: KC’s active roster is healthy but they temporarily elevated linebacker Swayze Bozeman and former Eagles cornerback Steven Nelson from the practice squad.
