What a long, strange trip it’s been for Ryan Matthews

The strange Eagles career of running back Ryan Mathews ended Tuesday, and on a peculiar note.

Mathews passed a physical with the Eagles according to head coach Doug Pederson, who then fought off questions about the veteran’s future.

Mathews didn’t practice with the Birds, who he led in rushing with 661 yards and eight touchdowns last season. His second year with the club ended prematurely with a nasty neck injury. He bumped into some of his old teammates who were told not to talk about him with reporters.

Meanwhile the nameplate the Eagles fashioned over a locker bearing the name of Mathews and his old No. 24 was removed during the open locker room for the media. The plate also included the name of Randall Goforth, the cornerback who was waived-injured two weeks ago.

Mathews’ old locker is occupied

by a running back and his number is being worn by safety Terrence Brooks.

The Mathews-Goforth nameplate turned into a souvenir when the NFL Network reported that Mathews was waived.

The formal announcement of Mathews’ release came at 12:15 p.m. A statement reflected the Eagles’ appreciation for his decision to report, thus ending the strange standoff, as it’s been clear Mathews hasn’t been part of the team’s plans going forward.

The Eagles will roll at running back this season with LeGarrette Blount, Darren Sproles, Wendell Smallwood and either rookie fourth-round pick Donnel Pumphrey, Byron Marshall or undrafted rookie Corey Clement.

“We want to thank Ryan for his contributions to the Philadelphia Eagles over the past two seasons,” the team statement read. “We spoke today and had a productive conversation about his future and the direction of our team going forward. First and foremost, we are glad that Ryan is healthy and has been cleared to return to football activities. But given the current state of our running back position we feel like it is best for both sides to go in a different direction. We wish him all the best as he continues his career.”

Cutting Mathews saved the Eagles $4 million against the salary cap. They also have another roster space.

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For the second preseason game, Pederson said he’s leaning toward the same type of playing schedule he had in the first game.

That would mean the first team offense and defense would play doubledigit snaps before giving way to subs.

The game kicks off at 7 p.m. Thursday at Lincoln Financial Field.

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With Jason Peters excused to take care of personal business, Lane Johnson replaced him at left tackle and Matt Tobin stepped in at right tackle.

Though Pederson wasn’t certain about Peters’ status for the home preseason opener Thursday against the Buffalo Bills, Peters is unlikely to be back as he’s attending a funeral.