One theory about each of the Eagles' early Week 2 roster moves
And, just like that, it's Week 2! The Philadelphia Eagles return stateside for a true 'home opener'. The Atlanta Falcons are the opponent. The friendly confines of Lincoln Financial Field provide the backdrop.
Philly hopes to build on one win with another. Atlanta hopes to rebound from a Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Interested? Yep! That's what we thought. Another week begins with some shuffling.
The Eagles announce four roster moves. Here's one thought about each player mentioned.
Philly traveled a few of their practice squad members to Brazil in Week 1 before eventually determining that they'd elevate EJ Jenkins and Nick Gates to the active roster for Week 1's game. Chances are both will be elevated in Week 2. Gates is the backup center. Jenkins is presumably the third tight end on the depth chart.
On Tuesday, the Eagles did some roster shuffling. Get used to this. Elevations, additions, and subtractions from the scout team will be common all season. Here's a look at the players mentioned and one corresponding thought about who was named.
WR Danny Gray
Danny Gray was originally drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers and appeared in 13 games that year making one reception for ten yards and a first down.
It's interesting they'd add him in place of another wideout they're more familiar with (more on that in a second).
DB AJ Woods
Woods was an undrafted rookie free agent added by the hated Washington Commanders before being waived ahead of the regular season. He's a former Pitt Panther.
Philly now has three cornerbacks and three safeties on the active roster, one on IR (James Bardberry), another on the Physically Unable To Perform list, and two other DBs on the scout team.
Unless someone is injured we wonder why there'd be a need to add another DB and lose a linebacker.
LB Brandon Smith
It was good to see Brandon Smith have his moment during the preseason. Injuries forced him to miss several training camp practices, but he eventually got on the field and recovered a fumble to help sink the Patriots.
Smith also spent most of the 2023 Eagles season on the practice squad and was elevated twice last season (Week 15 and 16). He saw the field for 31 special teams snaps and recorded one tackle on the campaign.
WR Griffin Hebert
Hebert signed with Philly's practice squad in Week 16 last season. He's come and gone, but if Philly is in a pinch at wideout and looks to add another to the current scout team at some point, he may be one of the first they call. The Eagles like keeping guys around they're familiar with.
That again makes us wonder why they currently seem to favor Danny Gray.
Update: The Eagles swap one practice squad for another
Another roster move is announced on Wednesday evening.
Jack Stoll is a familiar face. He has appeared in 55 games with 28 atarts (inclusing the playoffs). He was reacquired on August 28th, a day after being released by the New York Giants.
His spot on the practice squad is now occupied by Caden Sterns. He was previously signed by Philly on August 11th, released on August 27th, and released on September 3rd.