Waiting Game Begins for Eagles on Roster Bubble
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The Eagles will cut their roster down to 53 by Saturday afternoon, and lots of players are left wondering if they’ll still be around. After tonight’s 21-17 loss to the Jets, those on the fringe all had the same mindset – they thought they did enough, but they just had to wait and hope.
When it comes down to the last few spots, special teams and flexibility can make the difference. Take for example the backup free safety position, where Macho Harris made the start tonight and Quintin Demps played the second half.
Harris can be used as a corner as well, which could help him at cut time. “Yeah, I mean, he does have that versatility where he can also play corner in an emergency situation plus the safety spot,” said Reid. The Eagles head coach wouldn’t comment on specifics related to the upcoming round of cuts, but the players spoke about it a bit.
Demps hoped his ability to return kicks would propel him to keep a spot with the Birds. “The more you can do in this league, man, the better,” Demps said. “I think they got a good look at me returning kicks and they know what I can bring to the table, so let the cards fall where they may, you know?”
At wide receiver, Kelly Washington is one of the guys who could be in or out. If he can’t grab the fifth spot away from Hank Baskett, Washington’s special teams prowess could persuade Reid to carry six receivers. Washington helped the Eagles down one Sav Rocca punt at the two yardline tonight by keeping it out of the end zone, and was in position to do the same when a Rocca punt bounced out at the one.
The 31-year-old receiver said he won’t allow himself to worry too much over his fate in Philadelphia, “You just try to go out there and do the best that you can and understand that it’s not in your hands, it’s the organization.”
Meanwhile, at tight end, Cornelius Ingram certainly has a talent level worthy of being on the roster. But he also knows that his injuries could cost him his job. “I’ll just be waiting to see what happens, but, just like I said before, it won’t be the end of the day whatever happens,” Ingram said.
The Florida product missed last season after tearing the same ACL that cost him his senior year with the Gators. This preseason, he missed time with a calf injury and a cyst in his knee that had to be drained. Given the solid play of rookie tight end Clay Harbor in camp and during the preseason, the Birds could wind up keeping three tight ends.
There are certainly a handful of players who will be a bit anxious over the next two days, and we’ll break down the entire 53-man roster tomorrow including predictions on who will stay and go here on InsideTheIggles.com. We’ll also have coverage of general manager Howie Roseman’s press conference after cuts are made on Saturday.
Notes
Two Eagles newcomers, who seemed destined for the practice squad, made strong impressions tonight. Cornerback Jorrick Calvin returned two kicks for 56 yards and two punts for 25 yards. He looked smooth fielding the returns, and could surprise by stealing a roster spot for his special teams skills.
Defensive end Pannel Egboh, who was picked up off waivers from Houston this week, had a solid second half. The Stanford product is still likely destined for th practice squad but at least gave coaches an idea of his capabilities.