Tweaking the 2023 Roster and Filling Out the Practice Squad

[time2rock]

The initial "final" 53 was announced yesterday:

Quarterback: (3) Jalen Hurts, Marcus Mariota, Tanner McKee

Running back: (4) Kenny Gainwell, D’Andre Swift, Rashaad Penny, Boston Scott

Receiver: (4 5) A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Quez Watkins, Olamide Zaccheaus, Britain Covey

Tight end: (4) Dallas Goedert, Jack Stoll, Grant Calcaterra, Albert Okwuegbunam

Offensive line: (9) Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Jason Kelce, Cam Jurgens, Lane Johnson, Tyler Steen, Jack Driscoll, Fred Johnson, Sua Opeta

Defensive tackle: (7) Fletcher Cox, Milton Williams, Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, Marlton Tuipulotu, Moro Ojomo, Kentavius Street

Edge rusher: (6) Haason Reddick, Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, Nolan Smith, Derek Barnett, Patrick Johnson

Linebacker: (3) Nakobe Dean (placed on IR 9/12/23), Zach Cunningham, Christian Elliss, Nicholas Morrow

Cornerback: (7 6) Darius Slay, James Bradberry, Avonte Maddox (placed on IR 9/20/23), Josh Jobe, Kelee Ringo, Eli Ricks, Mario Goodrich

Safety: (4) Reed Blankenship, Justin Evans, Sydney Brown, Terrell Edmunds

Specialists: (2) Jake Elliott, Rick Lovato

We all know that the initial 53 won't be the final 53 (especially with no punter or punt returner on the current roster) ... narrowing down to 53 is just the first step in setting the roster, Howie will be a busy man these next few days and weeks making tweaks.  We'll track those here.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, we're starting to get reports of players being added to practice squad:

WR Devon Allen: The Olympian came on strong late in training camp after a calf injury kept him out early in the summer. He showed some promise, especially as a gunner on the punt team. (NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo)

DT Thomas Booker

T Le'Raven Clark

WR Britain Covey: The Eagles are bringing back their punt return man from the 2022 season. Covey dealt with a hamstring injury this summer but still has a decent chance to be the Eagles’ return man as a game day elevation early in the season. (NBC Sports Philadelphia's John Clark) (promoted to active roster on 9/20/23)

CB Mekhi Garner: The UDFA from LSU had a strong spring and kept it going in training camp. The Eagles elected to keep Eli Ricks over him but Garner made a strong roster push.

OL Julian Good-Jones: Good-Jones was with the Eagles way back in 2020 but then spent two seasons in the CFL and returned as a much better player this offseason. He had a nice summer. (Inside the Birds' Andrew DiCecco)

DE Tarron Jackson: The 2021 sixth-round pick out of Coastal Carolina didn't have a super splashy summer but definitely had some very strong moments. If there are ever injuries, he's now right there as some depth. (NBC Sports Philadelphia)

OLB Kyron Johnson: The 2022 sixth-round pick out of Kansas was a solid special teams contributor last season. He had an appendectomy this summer and missed some time. (Philadelphia Inquirer's Josh Tolentino) (released from PS on 9/4/23) (re-signed to PS on 9/20/23)

RB Bryant Koback (signed to PS on 9/20/23)

P Braden Mann: (signed to PS on 9/19/23)

S Tristan McCollum: Perhaps this spot would have gone to K'Von Wallace if he cleared waivers. But Wallace was claimed by the Cardinals. So McCollum, who made some plays, performed well.

LB Nicholas Morrow (signed to PS on 9/4/23) (promoted to active roster on 9/12/23)

CB Tiawan Mullen: After going undrafted out of Indiana, Mullen was with the Chargers this summer. He's a smaller corner at 5-foot-8, a frame that suggest a future as a nickel corner. He's the cousin of Lamar Jackson and the younger brother of former second-round corner Trayvon Mullen. (released from PS on 9/4/23) (re-signed to PS on 9/20/23)

WR Joseph Ngata: The UDFA from Clemson had a great start to training camp and made some plays in the preseason but fizzled a bit. And the Eagles kept just four receivers on their 53.

OL Tyre Phillips (signed to PS on 9/4/23)

TE Brady Russell: The UDFA from Colorado had a good showing this summer and had a nice touchdown in the preseason but was waived on Tuesday. (NBC Sports Philadelphia) (signed by Seattle on 9/20/23)

P Arryn Siposs: The Eagles cut their punter but got him through waivers to their practice squad. They can still look to upgrade but if not, can roll out Siposs in Week 1. (released from PS on 9/19/23)

OL Brett Toth: Toth began training camp as a second-team center but struggled snapping the football and was demoted to third-team guard. It wasn't a great summer but Toth has some versatility and the Eagles have invested a lot of time in him.

LB Ben VanSumeren: Relatively new to the linebacker position, VanSumeren has some athletic traits worth developing.

WR Greg Ward Jr.: Ward’s time with the Eagles continues. He first arrived back in 2017. At one point, Ward was a contributor for the Eagles but the receiver position has improved a bunch since then. (NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo)

 

 

I'll update this post as more transactions are announced.  

[pgcd3]

 

 

[pgcd3]

 

 

[birdman#12]

Are the eagles planning to not punt this year?

Haven't heard anything about punters being worked out.....

[judunno]

19 minutes ago, birdman#12 said:

Are the eagles planning to not punt this year?

Haven't heard anything about punters being worked out.....

Only time we're kicking is for kick offs, FGs, PATs, and asses baby!

[LacesOut]

Punter??!! 

We don’t need no stinkin’ punter!!

 

[Procus]

1 hour ago, birdman#12 said:

Are the eagles planning to not punt this year?

Haven't heard anything about punters being worked out.....

Sisposs was re-signed to the PS.  He's probably the punter on opening day.

[time2rock]

Garner, McCollum, Ngata, Toth, and VanSumeren also added to the practice squad.  Post #1 updated.  

[time2rock]

2 hours ago, pgcd3 said:

 

 

Funny I still haven't see his name in the sources I've been checking:

https://www.nbcsportsphiladelphia.com/nfl/philadelphia-eagles/eagles-practice-squad-tracker-2023-filling-out-the-16-man-squad/534131/

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-practice-squad-signings-updated-rosters-2023/05d9f265bb5e18566f001162

Not sure why he would want to sign here ... we have a slew of young CBs now.  

[Portyansky]

1 hour ago, birdman#12 said:

Are the eagles planning to not punt this year?

Haven't heard anything about punters being worked out.....

The way he was punting we could use just about anyone else on the team. I bet Jake could do it if needed

[erformc]

55 minutes ago, Procus said:

Siposs was re-signed to the PS.  He's probably the punter on opening day.

At least for the first 3 weeks. I guess they figure someone will go on IR within that time, and then they can sign him (or whatever other P might be available) to the 53 man.

[kiwieagle]

4 hours ago, time2rock said:

The initial "final" 53 was announced yesterday:

Quarterback: (3) Jalen Hurts, Marcus Mariota, Tanner McKee

Running back: (4) Kenny Gainwell, D’Andre Swift, Rashaad Penny, Boston Scott

Receiver: (4) A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Quez Watkins, Olamide Zaccheaus

Tight end: (4) Dallas Goedert, Jack Stoll, Grant Calcaterra, Albert Okwuegbunam

Offensive line: (9) Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Jason Kelce, Cam Jurgens, Lane Johnson, Tyler Steen, Jack Driscoll, Fred Johnson, Sua Opeta

Defensive tackle: (7) Fletcher Cox, Milton Williams, Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, Marlton Tuipulotu, Moro Ojomo, Kentavius Street

Edge rusher: (6) Haason Reddick, Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, Nolan Smith, Derek Barnett, Patrick Johnson

Linebacker: (3) Nakobe Dean, Zach Cunningham, Christian Elliss

Cornerback: (7) Darius Slay, James Bradberry, Avonte Maddox, Josh Jobe, Kelee Ringo, Eli Ricks, Mario Goodrich

Safety: (4) Reed Blankenship, Justin Evans, Sydney Brown, Terrell Edmunds

Specialists: (2) Jake Elliott, Rick Lovato

We all know that the initial 53 won't be the final 53 (especially with no punter or punt returner on the current roster) ... narrowing down to 53 is just the first step in setting the roster, Howie will be a busy man these next few days and weeks making tweaks.  We'll track those here.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, we're starting to get reports of players being added to practice squad:

WR Britain Covey: The Eagles are bringing back their punt return man from the 2022 season. Covey dealt with a hamstring injury this summer but still has a decent chance to be the Eagles’ return man as a game day elevation early in the season. (NBC Sports Philadelphia's John Clark)

WR Devon Allen: The Olympian came on strong late in training camp after a calf injury kept him out early in the summer. He showed some promise, especially as a gunner on the punt team. (NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo)

WR Greg Ward Jr.: Ward’s time with the Eagles continues. He first arrived back in 2017. At one point, Ward was a contributor for the Eagles but the receiver position has improved a bunch since then. (NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo)

OLB Kyron Johnson: The 2022 sixth-round pick out of Kansas was a solid special teams contributor last season. He had an appendectomy this summer and missed some time. (Philadelphia Inquirer's Josh Tolentino)

TE Brady Russell: The UDFA from Colorado had a good showing this summer and had a nice touchdown in the preseason but was waived on Tuesday. (NBC Sports Philadelphia)

OL Julian Good-Jones: Good-Jones was with the Eagles way back in 2020 but then spent two seasons in the CFL and returned as a much better player this offseason. He had a nice summer. (Inside the Birds' Andrew DiCecco)

DE Tarron Jackson: The 2021 sixth-round pick out of Coastal Carolina didn't have a super splashy summer but definitely had some very strong moments. If there are ever injuries, he's now right there as some depth. (NBC Sports Philadelphia)

P Arryn Siposs: The Eagles cut their punter but got him through waivers to their practice squad. They can still look to upgrade but if not, can roll out Siposs in Week 1.

CB Mekhi Garner: The UDFA from LSU had a strong spring and kept it going in training camp. The Eagles elected to keep Eli Ricks over him but Garner made a strong roster push.

S Tristan McCollum: Perhaps this spot would have gone to K'Von Wallace if he cleared waivers. But Wallace was claimed by the Cardinals. So McCollum, who made some plays, performed well.

WR Joseph Ngata: The UDFA from Clemson had a great start to training camp and made some plays in the preseason but fizzled a bit. And the Eagles kept just four receivers on their 53.

OL Brett Toth: Toth began training camp as a second-team center but struggled snapping the football and was demoted to third-team guard. It wasn't a great summer but Toth has some versatility and the Eagles have invested a lot of time in him.

LB Ben VanSumeren: Relatively new to the linebacker position, VanSumeren has some athletic traits worth developing.

 

I'll update this post as more transactions are announced.  

Pretty much all of these make sense.

As expected WR heavy. 4 guys and its the 4 they cut that you'd expect them to bring back. I expect Covey and then maybe Ward to be elevated and active for the early games to handle PR duties.

They kept the young guys who showed something for development - Russell, Good-Jones, Garner, VanSumeren

There are two surprises for me are. The first is Toth as he was terrible as a centre and would have thought they bring Josh Andews instead if they wanted experience centre cover or Josh Sills who they seemed to like more. The second is Janarius Robinson not being on here - did he claimed? Thought he had a better summer than Jackson.

[kiwieagle]

1 minute ago, kiwieagle said:

Pretty much all of these make sense.

As expected WR heavy. 4 guys and its the 4 they cut that you'd expect them to bring back. I expect Covey and then maybe Ward to be elevated and active for the early games to handle PR duties.

They kept the young guys who showed something for development - Russell, Good-Jones, Garner, VanSumeren

There are two surprises for me are. The first is Toth as he was terrible as a centre and would have thought they bring Josh Andews instead if they wanted experience centre cover . The second is Janarius Robinson not being on here - did he claimed? Thought he had a better summer than Jackson.

Correction: saw Sills was claimed by Colts

[pgcd3]

1 hour ago, time2rock said:

Funny I still haven't see his name in the sources I've been checking:

https://www.nbcsportsphiladelphia.com/nfl/philadelphia-eagles/eagles-practice-squad-tracker-2023-filling-out-the-16-man-squad/534131/

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-practice-squad-signings-updated-rosters-2023/05d9f265bb5e18566f001162

Not sure why he would want to sign here ... we have a slew of young CBs now.  

He's a slot CB.  Competition for backup slot is one guy in Goodrich right now.  If Maddox ever went on IR (annual thing) then they'd need another slot on roster

[VaBeach_Eagle]

Just at a quick glance, I thought this topic was about Twerking  

[Mortimer]

You could watch She Hulk reruns to get your fill of that.

[Talonblood]

[weko]

Maybe we claim the Steelers punter waived yesterday

[NJWolverEagle11]

Can Elliott punt? Can he hold for himself? 

[time2rock]

14 hours ago, VaBeach_Eagle said:

Just at a quick glance, I thought this topic was about Twerking  

I can promise you I will NEVER create a post about twerking.  

[pgcd3]

 

 

[VaBeach_Eagle]

3 hours ago, time2rock said:

I can promise you I will NEVER create a post about twerking.  

Just as long it's your avatar doing the twerking and not you 

Speaking of which, I've discovered the reason we keep getting hit with AdSense marking threads as containing 'sexual content'... it's your avatar lol.

Ever since we started the new board and I added the AdSense ads, I'll get 'nastygram' emails from time to time complaining of 'sexual content' in one thread or another. Usually it's the gameday threads. 

I just click the option for a 'manual review' and within a few hours, they email me and say that no sexual content was found and all is well. 

I was always confused as to why a gameday thread would make their system think that it was sexual in ANY way... then I noticed that every 'nastygram' email would lead to a post that contained your avatar lol. 

[kiwieagle]

6 hours ago, pgcd3 said:

 

 

Phew....i was worried we didn't have enough bodies at DT  

But on a more serious note, I'm surprised we didn't pick up Mann yet who has now been cut by Steelers. Thought that's who they were waiting on after they didn't pick up Gilikin 

[brkmsn]

27 minutes ago, kiwieagle said:

Phew....i was worried we didn't have enough bodies at DT  

But on a more serious note, I'm surprised we didn't pick up Mann yet who has now been cut by Steelers. Thought that's who they were waiting on after they didn't pick up Gilikin 

If they get Mann, it will probably be on the 53, not the PS. I think they're waiting on something to sort itself out (a trade maybe or an injury in practice that might open up a spot for P. 

[judunno]

Is Sermon an IR stash?