Eagles make several roster moves ahead of playoff matchup vs. Buccaneers

Updated: Jan. 15, 2022, 6:17 p.m. | Published: Jan. 15, 2022, 4:39 p.m.

By Mike Kaye | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

TAMPA — The Eagles made a handful of roster moves on Saturday ahead of their Super Wild Card matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Eagles signed veteran tight end Richard Rodgers to their 53-man roster, as head coach Nick Sirianni had alluded to early in the week. The team also placed rookie defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

In order to fill out the depth chart, the team elevated rookie guard Kayode Awosika from the practice squad as a COVID-19 replacement. Defensive end Cameron Malveaux and wide receiver KeeSean Johnson were elevated from the practice squad as well.

Malveaux and Johnson were standard weekly elevations. Awosika, Malveaux and Johnson will revert back to the practice squad if the Eagles win on Sunday against the Buccaneers.

Here’s what each move means for the roster:

- TE Richard Rodgers signed: Rodgers will take on the third tight end role vacated by Tyree Jackson (knee), who was placed on injured reserve earlier in the week. Rodgers has bounced on and off the Eagles’ roster for the past four seasons and spent most of this campaign on the practice squad. He was active for three regular-season games.

- DT Marlon Tuipulotu placed on reserve/COVID-19: The sixth-round pick was inactive for the majority of the season as a healthy scratch. The Eagles will be fine with their depth at defensive tackle against the Bucs, as Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, Milton Williams and Hassan Ridgeway form a strong rotation.

- G Kayode Awosika elevated: The rookie made his regular-season debut in Week 18, and he was impressive during his limited action. Awosika played offensive tackle in college, but projects as a better fit at guard in the NFL. With Nate Herbig (ankle) listed as questionable, Awosika would serve as added depth in case the starting right guard can’t play. Sua Opeta or Jack Anderson could replace Herbig in the starting lineup.

- DE Cameron Malveaux and WR KeeSean Johnson elevated: Malveaux has filled in as a deep-depth rotational defensive end over the past month. He has been a solid contributor in limited snaps on defense and special teams. With starting defensive end Josh Sweat (illness) listed as questionable, Malveaux is extra insurance behind Derek Barnett, Ryan Kerrigan and Tarron Jackson.

Johnson will make his Eagles debut in a playoff game. Johnson spent the entire regular season on the practice squad and will now fill out the depth chart following a season-ending injury for J.J. Arcega-Whiteside. Johnson will probably fill in on special teams and get the occasional rep on offense behind DeVonta Smith, Jalen Reagor, Quez Watkins and Greg Ward. Johnson, a 2019 sixth-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals, appeared in 18 games during his first two seasons and caught 36 passes for 360 yards and a touchdown. Sunday could be a showcase for Johnson to stick around in Philadelphia next season.

https://www.nj.com/eagles/2022/01/eagles-make-several-roster-moves-ahead-of-playoff-matchup-vs-buccaneers.html