Eagles who may have played their way off the roster during Philly's three preseason games
The Eagles are loaded, and that made the competition for jobs intense all summer. Here are a handful of guys that may have cost themselves an opportunity to land on the 53-man roster.
If you're like most of the Philadelphia Eagles contingent (and, we believe that you are), you have probably already pieced a 53-man roster together in your heads or you have pulled out a sheet of looseleaf paper, if you own any, and have written the names down of the guys you would keep. Trust us on this one. You are not alone.
We won't lie to you. Philly's preseason finale was a snoozer. There were highlight-reel moments. How about an 'atta-boy' for Tyreek Maddox-Williams, Ben VanSumeren, and Devon Allen? All were shining stars versus the Indianapolis Colts. Sadly, they aren't assured of roster spots, but kudos to them for taking advantage of their opportunities. That brings us to the guys on the other end of the spectrum.
When teams are as talented as the Birds are, good players will be left out in the cold. Sometimes. guys that we know have the stuff to cut it in the NFL fall victim to the numbers game and wind up on the outside looking in.
The guys on this list are truly NFL players and have proven they can cut the mustard, but when their best was needed during Philly's trio of preseason games, they had some inconsistent moments. That, friends, may have decided their fate.
Here are a handful of Eagles that may have cost themselves jobs.
We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but some of the Eagles' roster hopefuls may have played themselves off of the 53-man roster and possibly, onto the practice squad. We'll have to wait and see if they surprise us and clear waivers if Philly elects to cut them.
1. Trey Sermon, running back
Trey Sermon scored touchdowns in all three preseason games, but he also produced some up-and-down moments and 105 yards rushing on 30 carries. Yep, that's an average of 3.5 yards per carry.
Some of that is the result of running behind reserves on the offensive line, but then again, he was playing guys who may not make their respective rosters either. As of now, it's hard to imagine scenarios where he makes the 53-man roster.
2. Joseph Ngata, wide receiver
Joseph Ngata was signed by the Eagles as an undrafted free agent. That was partially because he never proved he could consistently separate from coverage. In three preseason games, we were reminded of that frequently. He is worthy of a spot on the practice squad, but his game and hands still need refinement.
3. Kennedy, Brooks, running back
There are a lot of fans who are pulling for Kennedy Brooks. We are as well, but remember when we discussed numbers games earlier? The Birds figure to keep four tailbacks which makes Brooks one of the odd men out.
In short, we chart him as the last RB on the depth chart behind Trey Sermon, and we don't think Sermon makes the team either.
4. Ian Book, quarterback
Ian Book earned a spot on the Eagles roster last season and was supposed to compete for a job as the third QB on Philly's depth chart. He has been soundly beaten by Tanner McKee for that opportunity.
5. Dennis Kelly, offensive tackle
Dennis Kelly's story was a fun one to tell, for a while. A former Eagle that had finally come home, it felt like he could reunite with Jeff Stoutland and maybe compete for a job as a backup swing tackle.
Unfortunately, it was evident rather quickly that there wasn't much left. Maybe he makes the practice squad as one of the allowable veterans, but truthfully, that isn't a guarantee either.
Wild Cards: Safety Terrell Edmunds and linebacker Nicholas Morrow
Don't be shocked if Terrell Edmunds and Nicholas Morrow are left off the roster, but don't be shocked if they make the team either. The Birds have tough decisions to make. Birds fans everywhere will continue to debate the popular topics until Tuesday's deadline arrives.
Edmunds has some experience but hasn't had much of an impactful summer. Morrow may have been leapfrogged by some other guys on the depth chart. Neither's inclusion on the game day roster is certain.
How many linebackers will they keep? Is Nicholas Morrow still among those listed at the top half of Philly's depth chart? Tuesday's deadline for roster cuts nears, so we won't have to wait much longer for answers. In the meantime, Edmunds and Morrow are two names we have circled. We'll monitor both as we move through the coming hours and days.
Here are a few other Eagles stories to whet the whistle.
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