Eagles cut five, roster down to 75 players
The Eagles warmed up for final cuts due early this week with the release of five mostly undistinguished players Sunday.
Running back Elijah Holyfield, wide receiver Marken Michel, tight end Cary Angeline, linebacker Rashad Smith and defensive end JaQuan Bailey were waived, leaving the Eagles with 75 men on the roster that must be pared to 53 by 4 p.m. Tuesday.
Of that group, Holyfield killed it in the preseason finale. The son of former heavyweight champion boxer Elijah Holyfield collected 81 yards from scrimmage on 10 touches, including 60 rushing yards, all in the second half of a 31-31 draw with the New York Jets. Maybe he’ll get a look from Baltimore.
The Ravens need running back depth to offset the loss of J.K. Dobbins, all but formally out for the season with a knee injury.
That said, the Eagles might be able to unload some of their offensive line castoffs, a list that could include Andre Dillard and Matt Pryor.
The Indianapolis Colts need offensive line help, although let’s be honest, nobody knows more about the faults of Dillard and Pryor than Carson Wentz.
That said, it should be an interesting couple of days for the Eagles.
The biggest surprise will be
whether guard Landon Dickerson, the second round pick out of Alabama, will begin the season on the active roster or the Reserve-Non-football injury list. He hasn’t participated in practices or games due to knee reconstruction from his last season at Alabama and would have to sit out at least the first six games if he’s still on the list to open the season. If the Eagles move Dickerson to Injured Reserve, he could return after three games.
Beyond that and the lingering rehab of veteran safety Rodney McLeod, also on PUP after tearing an ACL late last season, it’s unlikely the Eagles will announce any shocking roster moves.
Embattled quarterback Deshaun Watson, now reportedly under investigation by the FBI for alleged sexual assault, in addition to Houston authorities and the NFL, won’t waive his no-trade clause to join the Eagles, per other reports. There goes a potential deal with draft picks and players, including among others Zach Ertz.
With Wentz unlikely to start the opener, the Colts could use another quarterback after losing Sam Ehlinger to a knee injury. Veteran Joe Flacco certainly would seem expendable after the Eagles trade for Gardner Minshew.
Here’s your early 53man roster projection for the Eagles. Obviously, roster management at this time of year is a very fluid process. QUARTERBACKS (3) >> Jalen Hurts, Gardner Minshew, Joe Flacco.
RUNNING BACKS (4) >> Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, Jason Huntley, Jordan Howard.
WIDE RECEIVERS (5) >> DeVonta Smith, Jalen Reagor, Quez Watkins, Greg Ward, JJ Arcega-Whiteside.
TIGHT ENDS (3) >> Dallas Goedert, Zach Ertz, Richard Rodgers.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (10) >> Lane Johnson, Brandon Brooks, Jason Kelce, Isaac Seumalo, Jordan Mailata, Nate Herbig, Jack Driscoll, Le’Raven Clark, Brett Toth, Sua Opeta.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN(10) >> Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, Josh Sweat, Derek Barnett, Ryan Kerrigan, Tarron Jackson, Milton Williams, T.Y. McGill, Hasaan Ridgeway.
LINEBACKERS (6) >> Alex Singleton, Gennard Avery, Eric Wilson, T.J. Edwards, Shaun Bradley, JaCoby Stevens.
DEFENSIVE BACKS (9) >> Darius Slay, Steven Nelson, Avonte Maddox, Anthony Harris, Marcus Epps, K’Von Wallace, Zech McPhearson, Kevon Seymour, Craig James.
SPECIAL TEAMS (3) >> K Jake Elliott, P Aaryn Siposs, LS Rick Lovato.
RESERVE-NFI >> Landon Dickerson (knee).
INJURED RESERVE >> Rodney McLeod, Davion Taylor (groin), Tyree Jackson (back).
PRACTICE SQUAD (12) >> RB Elijah Holyfield, RB Jason Huntley, WR John Hightower, WR Travis Fulgham, DT Marlon Tuipulotu, LB Patrick Johnson, CB Josiah Scott, CB Grayland Arnold, S Andrew Adams, S Elijah Riley, TE Jack Stoll, S Michael Jacquet.