Tyree Jackson among 3 additions to Eagles Week 9 gameday roster

Once Zach Ertz was traded, Philadelphia Eagles fans knew that it was only a matter of time before Tyree Jackson was activated from the injured reserve list. They activated his 21-day practice window a couple of weeks ago, and a little over 24 hours ahead of Week 9’s game versus the Los Angeles Chargers, he’s back on the active roster.

Jack Stoll had assumed the backup tight end role following Ertz’s departure with Richard Rodgers playing occasional reps whenever the team felt the need to elevate him from the practice squad. Jackson figures to play more of a Y-tight end role as the second tight end on the depth chart behind Dallas Goedert.

As Peter Bukowski noted, while Stoll has the 10th-lowest run block grade among tight ends according to PFF, he also has a 78.6 pass-blocking grade.

This was one of three roster moves the Eagles announced at 4 p.m. EST on Saturday. The Eagles have also elevated wide receiver John Hightower, as Inside The Iggles mentioned was a possibility earlier in the week, and running back Jordan Howard from the practice squad for Week 9’s game.

Can Tyree Jackson transition from quarterback to tight end successfully?

A preseason fan-favorite, Tyree Jackson put up 32 yards on two catches in the first preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He also had a few catches called back due to holding penalties in which he created separation.

Last week, the Birds ran more 12 personnel, but that was mostly done to set up the running game. At Jackson’s size (six-foot-seven, 247 pounds), he figures to be an additional threat over the middle of the field, especially in the red zone.

12 personnel usage has been down for Philly under Sirianni but according to Sharp Football Stats, the Eagles are tied with the Denver Broncos for the fifth-highest percentage of plays out 13 personnel (three tight ends) at seven percent.

If Jackson can block well enough, he’ll find his way onto the field alongside Stoll in those packages and potentially as the primary TE2 in 12 personnel. He’ll need time to find his groove and continue to hone his route running since it’s his first season transitioning from the quarterback position, but at minimum, he should be able to high point some passes in the endzone and find voids in zone coverage.

Stoll has taken some snaps at fullback. Maybe Tyree Jackson can earn a share of those and pound his way into the endzone at some point. Wherever he is on the field, fans will have their eyes on him during Week 9’s game and throughout the remainder of the 2021 season. Jackson has a very high ceiling, and the hope is that he can follow a similar path to Logan Thomas by becoming the next successful quarterback turned tight end.