The Philadelphia Eagles officially announced six roster moves ahead of their Week 17 home game against the Dallas Cowboys. An overview:
Note: teams can temporarily promote practice squad players up to three times each in the regular season and an unlimited number of times in the postseason.
Let’s sort through this news on a player-by-player basis.
IAN BOOK
The Eagles originally signed Book to their practice squad on Thursday. By signing him to the roster instead of temporarily elevating him, the Eagles can keep him inactive as the emergency third quarterback for Sunday’s game. That’s to say, he’ll be eligible to play if both Kenny Pickett and Tanner McKee leave the game and can’t return. The Eagles would’ve had to keep Book active for him to be eligible to play if they had only temporarily elevated him from the practice squad.
The Eagles are obviously hoping they won’t have to use Book. But with Jalen Hurts out and Kenny Pickett dealing with a ribs injury, having Book as an emergency option probably beats having no quarterback at all.
BRYCE HUFF
Huff is back on the roster after missing five games while on injured reserve due to a wrist injury. Prior to getting hurt, Huff failed to live up to the lofty expectations associated with a three-year, $51.1 million contract; he’s produced just 2.5 sacks and three TFLs in 10 games this season. But while Huff’s return is hardly expected to be a major boost for the Eagles’ defense, having him back does help out the pass rush rotation. With both Huff and Brandon Graham getting injured, the Birds have mostly been relying on the edge rusher trio of Nolan Smith, Josh Sweat, and rookie Jalyx Hunt. Being able to expand the rotation to four players is preferable. And, who knows, maybe the light goes on for Huff down the stretch here? Probably not worth holding your breath on that front, especially since he’s going to be playing with a cast on. But crazier things have happened.
TYRION DAVIS-PRICE
Will Shipley being ruled out with a concussion left the Eagles with two healthy running backs: Saquon Barkley and Kenny Gainwell. Now they have TDP as the third running back.
DALLAS GANT
Nakobe Dean being ruled doubtful left the Eagles with three healthy off-ball linebackers: Zack Baun, Oren Burks, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Now they have Gant as the fourth linebacker.
BRITAIN COVEY
Covey suffered a neck injury during the Eagles’ Week 13 win over the Baltimore Ravens. His practice participation since then:
Leading up to Week 14: DNP, limited, limited … OUTLeading up to Week 15: Limited, full, full … OUTLeading up to Week 16: Full, full, full … OUTLeading up to Week 17: Full, full, DNP … OUT
Kinda weird how this recovery (or lack thereof) has gone.
In any case, Covey is back on IR. That means Cooper DeJean will continue to serve as the team’s punt returner. And the Eagles will continue to roll with five wide receivers: A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, Johnny Wilson, and Ainias Smith.
Covey is eligible to be activated from IR after missing four games. So, that’s the remaining two regular season games and two playoff games, assuming the Eagles advance.
CHARLES HARRIS
The Eagles originally claimed Harris off waivers from the Carolina Panthers following Brandon Graham’s triceps injury. With Huff and BG out, Harris was the fourth man in the edge rotation but he was not trusted to play often. Harris logged just 11 defensive snaps with most of them coming because Sweat got banged up and had to miss some time in Week 16. Harris logged zero stats as an Eagle.
NO FULLBACK
Note that the Eagles did not temporarily elevate fullback Khari Blasingame, who is out of regular season elevations. They could’ve signed him to the roster if they really wanted to. They’ll be able to elevate him again when the playoffs begin.
