Roster Update

The Eagles made a few moves on Monday. There were no surprises and nothing substantial. They got a start on the process of cutting the roster down to 53 players.

Here are the official moves.

We have released QB Will Grier, DB Parry Nickerson, OLB Julian Okwara, and G Max Scharping. pic.twitter.com/pRLHDSsfvm

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) August 26, 2024

No surprises there.

The #Eagles are waiving OL Jason Poe, source said. Poe was brought back late in camp due to a numbers shortage on the offensive line.

— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) August 26, 2024

Thank you Philly! Much love pic.twitter.com/bFPhg6ie2v

— Zech McPhearson (@ZMcphearson) August 26, 2024

The #Eagles are waiving TE Kevin Foelsch, I’m told.

The New Haven product was a late camp addition.

— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) August 26, 2024

The #Eagles are waiving S Andre’ Sam, per source.

My understanding is the plan is to bring Sam back on the practice squad, provided he clears waivers.

— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) August 26, 2024

The #Eagles are waiving WR Austin Watkins, per source.

— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) August 26, 2024

As I said, no surprises. The roster cuts really come down to a handful of spots and a handful of guys. That isn’t to dismiss the other players and what they’ve done. That’s just the tough, demanding world of the NFL. This is the best of the best.

We’ll get a lot more news on Tuesday.

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There was one interesting item on Monday.

#Eagles rookie WR Ainias Smith reported discomfort in his ankle and hamstring after completing Saturday’s game, sources say. The fifth-rounder is getting an MRI and his availability for the start of the season is in some doubt.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 26, 2024

Smith could be headed to IR. Players need a legitimate (or semi-legit) injury. I’m sure the Eagles would love to put Smith on IR. That frees up a roster spot for now and saves Smith for the future. He wasn’t likely to make an impact this season. The Eagles still have high hopes for him down the road.

If he does go to IR, I expect the Eagles to go with 5 receivers.

AJ Brown
DeVonta Smith
Jahan Dotson
Britain Covey
Johnny Wilson

They could see about keeping Parris Campbell, but he feels more like a practice squad candidate. The Eagles could look and see if another WR gets cut who might be of interest. They need an insurance policy if anything.

Howie Roseman will be watching the waiver wire closely. The Eagles have a strong roster, but you never know when a team will cut a guy who the Eagles have some interest in. TE could be a position to watch.

*****

Someone on Twitter asked me about the difference in LB Patrick Johnson and CB Eli Ricks. Johnson had the better preseason. Shouldn’t the Eagles keep him?

Johnson has played in 48 games. He has never had a sack. Johnson does have one TFL and 3 QB hits. He is a solid STer, but has a very limited ceiling. At his best, he’s a backup pass rusher.

Ricks has played in 16 games. He has 3 PDs and a TFL. He showed flashes of potential last year. There were some good moments in the Miami game.

Ricks is younger and still has upside. If you need a backup Edge, keep Johnson. If you have good numbers there, keep Ricks in the hopes that he could turn into something.

One other thing to keep in mind about the Edge position, Zack Baun can play there if needed. The Eagles have good depth at OLB and ILB. If someone gets hurt, Baun could play where needed.

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