The Philadelphia Eagles officially announced NINE roster moves on Wednesday afternoon. Here’s an overview:
- EDGE Nolan Smith, CB Jakorian Bennett, and WR Darius Cooper were placed on injured reserve.
- S Marcus Epps, TE Cameron Latu, and CB Parry Nickerson were signed to the roster.
- CB Eli Ricks, WR Quez Watkins, and LB Lance Dixon were signed to the practice squad.
Whew. Much to unpack here.
Let’s sort through this news on a player-by-player basis.
NOLAN SMITH
Uh, excuse me?
There was no indication that Smith was even injured at all, let alone a candidate to go on IR and miss at least four games. Bizarre.
Smith’s injury reportedly doesn’t require surgery. More information here:
Here are the five games Smith is expected to miss prior to the Eagles’ Week 9 bye:
Week 4 – at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 5 – vs. Denver Broncos
Week 6 – at New York Giants
Week 7 – at Minnesota Vikings
Week 8 – vs. New York Giants
Fortunately, the Eagles’ odd decision to keep seven edge rushers on the roster has now come in handy. Nolan Smith’s absence leaves the Birds with Jalyx Hunt, Za’Darius Smith, Joshua Uche, Patrick Johnson, Azeez Ojulari, and Ogbo Okoronkwo.
There were already questions about the Eagles’ edge rusher talent with Nolan Smith healthy, so, losing him certainly isn’t ideal. But the hope is that they can piece a pass rush together with this group until he’s able to return.
Hunt and Za’Darius Smith figure to start with Uche seeing an increased role. We’ll see if the Eagles go four deep or just role with that top trio. Johnson is the most likely candidate to be active since he plays special teams. But Ojulari and Okoronkwo have more experience contributing on defense.
JAKORIAN BENNETT
It was previously reported that Bennett could miss this weekend’s game. Now we know he’ll be missing at least four weeks. 6ABC’s Jason Dumas notes that Bennett could be looking at “a six week recovery.”
Bennett was the Eagles’ top outside cornerback behind Quinyon Mitchell and Adoree’ Jackson; he’s filled in for the latter, who has been banged up. There’s been thought that Bennett might eventually take over for Jackson as a starter but that clearly won’t be happening any time soon now.
Bennett’s absence likely leaves Kelee Ringo as the Eagles’ top outside backup cornerback, though it’s also possible that rookie Mac McWilliams factors in.
DARIUS COOPER
Cooper suffered a shoulder injury on the Eagles’ kickoff return at the start of the third quarter on Sunday. The undrafted rookie free agent had a great summer to make the active roster. He’s yet to see a touch on offense since he’s been playing in a dirty work role (blocking/special teams contributions).
The Eagles are left with John Metchie and the recently claimed Xavier Gipson as the depth receivers behind the top trio of A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson.
Cooper is reportedly expected to be able to return sometime around the Eagles’ Week 9 bye.
MARCUS EPPS
The Eagles promoting Epps from the practice squad to the roster was expected since they used up his three temporary practice squad elevations.
Epps is the fourth safety behind Reed Blankenship, Andrew Mukuba, and Sydney Brown. He’s been limited to special teams duty since returning to Philly.
CAMERON LATU
The Eagles promoting Epps from the practice squad to the roster isn’t surprising since he’s played well on special teams and as a blocker on offense. He’s their best blocking tight end behind Dallas Goedert and he can play some fullback snaps.
PARRY NICKERSON
With Bennett to IR and Adoree’ Jackson banged up, the Eagles needed some more depth at corner. Nickerson was on the roster bubble after a solid summer. The 30-year-old journeyman has logged three career starts in 30 games played since 2018. He has experience playing both outside and in the slot as well as being able to help out on special teams.
ELI RICKS
Ricks has been bouncing on and off the practice squad since the Eagles originally waived him in roster cuts from 90 to 53 players. The Eagles’ injuries at CB likely prompted them to bring him back for depth purposes.
QUEZ WATKINS
The Eagles’ sixth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft returns to Philly on the practice squad for the first time since he left in free agency in March 2024. Watkins had his best season in 2021 and then only got worse from there. In theory, he provides value as a deep threat. In actuality, it’s hard to count on him. The Eagles will hope to not have to play Watkins but he’s around in case there are more wide receiver injuries.
LANCE DIXON
Dixon had a solid summer for the Eagles after signing with the team as an undrafted rookie free agent. More depth at linebacker/special teams.
EAGLES PRACTICE SQUAD
Each player below is eligible to be temporarily elevated to the active roster up to three times in the regular season unless otherwise noted.
WR Javon Baker
LB Chance Campbell
WR Britain Covey
LB Lance Dixon
RB Audric Estimé
DT Gabe Hall
TE E.J. Jenkins
CB Brandon Johnson
C/G Jake Majors
WR Terrace Marshall
QB Kyle McCord
OL Hollin Pierce
CB Eli Ricks
S Andre’ Sam
CB Ambry Thomas
WR Quez Watkins
OT Luke Felix-Fualalo (international exemption)
0 CommentsSee More:
