Eagles protect 3 practice squad members, who shouldn’t surprise anyone
We’re not used to quiet days at the NovaCare Complex, but that’s what happens when the Philadelphia Eagles win a huge game on the road in Week 10 and their head coach, Nick Sirianni, tells the players that they don’t have to be back at the facility until Wednesday.
Calling Tuesday ‘quiet’ may be a bit of a stretch as well because, as you know, the Birds are constantly working, as is every NFL team. Business went on as it always does.
The assistant coaches met with several members of the media on Tuesday. Sirianni will, no doubt, do the same on Wednesday as will the coaches, but there was some roster news to report. Philadelphia announced which practice squad members that they’d protect ahead of Week 11’s game versus the New Orleans Saints.
Might we see any of these Eagles on the roster soon?
As you know, every NFL team’s practice squad is an extension of its roster, a 15-man unit that the franchise has determined they’ll continue to work with and develop. The Eagles house 16 men on theirs, the usual 15 men along with Matt Leo, a six-foot-seven defensive end who joined the Philadelphia as a part of the International Player Pathway Program in 2020. Leo doesn’t count as one of the allowable15.
Scout team guys practice with the team but don’t dress on game day. They can also be poached by other teams. In an effort to prevent the possibility of losing someone valuable, every team is allowed to protect three players ahead of each game.
The Eagles designated three players on Tuesday, and they’re three guys that you should know pretty well.
John Hightower, wide receiver
John Hightower has been elevated to the active roster once already. If the Eagles do so again, he would have reached the maximum amount of times that they can do so (unless he’s added to replace someone on the COVID-19 list).
The Birds may need to determine, sooner rather than later, if they want to add him to the active roster.
Le’Raven Clark, offensive tackle
Le’Raven Clark has appeared in 49 games with 15 starts and is probably the most experienced guy on the practice squad. He carries value in the event that there are injuries at either of the tackle spots (which is always a possibility in Philadelphia).
Brett Toth, offensive lineman
Brett Toth is a tackle/guard hybrid that gives the Birds depth along the offensive line. It makes sense to keep him around.