The Eagles have announced their 16-man practice squad for 2020 after a chaotic roster cutdown period. There’s a lot to take in here so we’ll go position-by-position.
Firstly, the team do still have one spot remaining which is certainly worth noting. They also look likely to place a couple of players on PUP, opening up roster spots to flex guys up from the practice squad and create more leverage.
Quarterback
Super Josh McCown. The 41-year-old veteran who won over the hearts of Eagles fans not only due to his spirited effort on the field against Seattle, but his incredibly infectious leadership on the sideline, will return in 2020. McCown’s reputation as a leader only grew with the release of ‘All or Nothing’
Many hoped that McCown would return as a coach in 2020, but that wasn’t to be the case just yet. He instead hits the practice squad, where his leadership will undoubtedly be the focal point of his day.
He’s currently the only QB on the practice squad, so a developmental arm may well be added later.
Running back
The ‘holy trinity’ all hit the practice squad, which is great news. Holyfield, Killins, and Warren all passed through waivers without being claimed. This was smart by Howie, who also went out of his way to claim Jason Huntley off waivers and assign him to the final 53. This decision seems odd considering he has a week to learn the playbook and almost a shot at Killins, who has a very similar skillset. But maybe they don’t project the RB4 role to be as active as it has been in recent years and this is all about development.
Offensive line
All familiar faces here. Prince Tega-Wanogho cleared waivers (luckily) and joins a pair of backup centers. The Eagles really need to work on finding Jason Kelce’s heir to the throne and maybe this setup helps these players.
Tight end
Caleb Wilson hitting the PS means that much more after Noah Togiai was claimed by the Colts (Hey Frank, miss you). The Eagles have three tight ends on their entire team, with Josh Perkins out indefinitely. Not good.
Wide receiver
The main thing here is that Deontay Burnett is safe. That’s it. That’s the tea. Everything else is irrelevant. If the Eagles had lost one of the Summer’s brightest standouts, it would have been a tough pill to swallow.
Defensive end
Joe Ostman returns to his old stomping ground and is joined by Matt Leo (who doesn’t count against the 16 man limit as he’s an international player). Genard Avery makes the roster and occupies a space that could’ve been filled by players lost this week, so the Eagles will just have to hope he was worth both the investment and the risk.
Defensive tackle
The Eagles lose Anthony Rush but are able to cling onto prized UDFA Raequan Williams. The team are under no urgency at the position with such a strong rotation on the 53 in place, allowing Williams to develop freely under Matt Burke.
Defensive back
Being able to keep hold of Grayland Arnold is key for the Safety position. The team are really high on the Baylor products upside. Elijah Riley would currently be CB5 which is a little terrifying….oh wait.
TREVOR. WILLIAMS. END OF ARTICLE.
Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire
