The Eagles have found a candidate for the spot on the final 53-man roster that was recently vacated by Donnel Pumphrey and it should come as no surprise that it’s a new face on Defense. According to an official announcement by the team, the Eagles have claimed former Bills Safety Trae Elston off of waivers.
Roster Move: #Eagles have claimed S Trae Elston off of waivers (Buffalo). #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/P49gMVT3L5
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 20, 2017
The Eagles secondary is hurting. Not only have they lost Ronald Darby, but both Corey Graham and Jaylen Watkins sustained injuries against the Chiefs along with starting Safety Rodney McLeod. That’s three of five Safeties suffering injuries in the same game. Here’s today’s injury report for clarity.
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Did Not Participate In Practice |
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Wednesday |
CB Ronald Darby (ankle), S Corey Graham (hamstring), S Rodney McLeod (hamstring), DT Destiny Vaeao (wrist), S Jaylen Watkins (hamstring) |
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Full Participation in Practice |
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Wednesday |
LB Najee Goode (forearm), DE Brandon Graham (triceps), CB Jalen Mills (thumb) |
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Elston spent the entire offseason with Buffalo after previous experience with the Browns, Bucs and Saints as an undrafted free agent last year. It would take one full year of moves and rollercoasters to settle down in Buffalo and finally see some regular season action.
After an impressive training camp and preseason, Elston played in 30 special teams snaps during the course of the first two games of the season, but was waived by the Bills recently.
Elston will likely serve as a backup to the starting safeties and provide an extra special teams sting for the Eagles. At 6’0 and 195 lbs, his size doesn’t jump off the screen, but a strong career at Ole Miss that saw him revered as a hard-hitter may finally see him find a niche with an NFL team.
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
