The PhiladelphiaEagles are still over two months away from cutting their roster to 53 players, but training camp will also determine the makeup of another important group: the practice squad. Philadelphia's final roster will receive most of the attention, but the practice squad often becomes a major part of the team-building process once injuries hit, weekly matchups change, and developmental players need time to grow within the system. The Eagles have used the practice squad to stash offensive linemen, specialists, young defenders, veteran skill players, and emergency depth at premium positions, and this summer should be no different.
Dameon Pierce is one of the more notable names to monitor. The former Texans running back has real NFL production and a physical running style, but Philadelphia's backfield numbers could make it difficult for him to crack the initial 53-man roster. If Pierce does not win a spot outright, he could be the kind of experienced runner the Eagles would want nearby as insurance behind Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, and the rest of the running back room.
Carson Steele also fits the profile of a practice squad candidate because of his physicality and potential value in short-yardage or special teams situations. Steele's path to the roster will depend on how many running backs the Eagles keep and whether he can separate himself as a core special-teams player. If not, he could remain a useful developmental option.
The wide receiver group will be another difficult numbers game. Danny Gray and Quez Watkinsboth bring speed, and Watkins already has experience in Philadelphia, but the Eagles' reshaped receiver room could leave limited spots available. Gray's vertical ability makes him worth keeping in the building if he does not make the 53, while Watkins' familiarity with the organization could help him remain an emergency option if injuries hit. E.J. Jenkins is another offensive player to watch because of his size and versatility. He has flashed as a pass-catching tight end and big target, but roster numbers at tight end and wide receiver could push him toward the practice squad.
Cameron Latucould also land in that versatile veteran tight end mix. The Eagles have veterans and young players competing for roles behind Dallas Goedert, and Latu's case may depend on whether he can show enough as a blocker, receiver, and special teams option to force his way onto the active roster. If he falls short, the practice squad would allow Philadelphia to continue evaluating him without using a 53-man roster spot.
Dameon Pierce is one of the more notable names to monitor. The former Texans running back has real NFL production and a physical running style, but Philadelphia's backfield numbers could make it difficult for him to crack the initial 53-man roster. If Pierce does not win a spot outright, he could be the kind of experienced runner the Eagles would want nearby as insurance behind Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, and the rest of the running back room.
Carson Steele also fits the profile of a practice squad candidate because of his physicality and potential value in short-yardage or special teams situations. Steele's path to the roster will depend on how many running backs the Eagles keep and whether he can separate himself as a core special-teams player. If not, he could remain a useful developmental option.
The wide receiver group will be another difficult numbers game. Danny Gray and Quez Watkinsboth bring speed, and Watkins already has experience in Philadelphia, but the Eagles' reshaped receiver room could leave limited spots available. Gray's vertical ability makes him worth keeping in the building if he does not make the 53, while Watkins' familiarity with the organization could help him remain an emergency option if injuries hit. E.J. Jenkins is another offensive player to watch because of his size and versatility. He has flashed as a pass-catching tight end and big target, but roster numbers at tight end and wide receiver could push him toward the practice squad.
Cameron Latucould also land in that versatile veteran tight end mix. The Eagles have veterans and young players competing for roles behind Dallas Goedert, and Latu's case may depend on whether he can show enough as a blocker, receiver, and special teams option to force his way onto the active roster. If he falls short, the practice squad would allow Philadelphia to continue evaluating him without using a 53-man roster spot.
4 months ago
