Eagles bring back a familiar face at defensive tackle & waive two players

USATSI_13240390_168382939_lowres

The Eagles have announced three roster moves today, with the notable addition being DT Anthony Rush. CB Orlando Scandrick has been released and in a corresponding move, so has DT Akeem Spence.

Here’s more on what the release of Scandrick could mean:

As for Rush, he’s a name that Eagles fans will know quite well, as a UDFA who spent the offseason with the team before being released and ending up in Oakland.

It would be strange for the Eagles to simply switch defensive tackles when there’s already a free roster spot…so to me, this says that there’s either something else cooking or a player currently sidelined is close to a return, CC: Timmy Jernigan. But depth is still light. Cox and Jernigan would resume their tandem partnerhsip upon his return, leaving DE’s and Anthony Rush as the rotational pieces.

Rush ended 2018 with 43 tackles, 11 TFL and a pair of sacks for UAB. A true small-school sleeper, Rush has a ridiculously intimidating frame at 6’5, 350 lbs, but lacked pass-rushing moves. Although, he did break out during the preseason for the Raiders.

The rookie instantly becomes the heaviest defensive tackle on the roster, and on a depth chart where depth is now minimal with Spence released, there is a chance for a surprise to be sprung.

I could see Schwartz using Rush in the same way that the Chargers utilize Brandon Mebane. Someone to really almost will-on double teams while the electric defensive ends run rampant. If it gets late in a game and the Eagles need to clog lanes but their top guys need a drive to get their breath back (or a few weeks off with injury), that’s the kind of role Rush could thrive in.

His size alone will command plenty of attention, but if the Eagles can condition some agility and endurance, they may have a real space-eating sleeper who can suck up double teams in lighter formations designed for defensive end speed.

Don’t be surprised if there’s more where this came from. Again, it’s a little odd that the team released Spence as well as signing Rush when they really didn’t have to and could use the depth. Stay locked in to PSN for the latest Eagles updates!

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports