The Eagles have made a few roster moves in preparation for the return of versatile DB Will Parks, who missed the opening stanza of the season with a hamstring injury.
A 21-day practice window has now been activated for Parks, whose injury was initially expected to set him back 6 weeks. This provides hope that a return is on the horizon and it couldn’t come at a better time.
Parks is as versatile as defensive backs come and is no stranger to run-support and playing inside the box, hopefully relieving the pressure from Nate Gerry’s shoulders.
In four seasons with the Broncos, Parks racked up 148 tackles, 4 picks, 13 passes defensed, and 2 forced fumbles. It’s unclear just when Parks will be back, but his presence in the box will be a huge addition for a team struggling to stop tight ends and underneath routes.
In order to make way, the Eagles waived a pair of rookies in UDFA DB Grayland Arnold and seventh-round pick DE Casey Toohill. The latter had an extremely strong Summer but neither had been able to carve out defensive roles, something which was always going to be a challenge with a shortened offseason. The upside to both players seemed high though and exposing them to waivers seems risky.
The Eagles are light on DB depth as it is. S Jalen Mills is currently taking on CB2 duties, leaving only McLeod, Epps, and rookie K’Von Wallace at Safety. Arnold might not have been in-line to see a huge amount of time, but if Parks is still a week or two away, leaving the secondary void of depth is a big gamble.
We’ll see how things pan out, but it’s at least encouraging to see Philadelphia native Will Parks nearing a return and his Eagles debut, especially with fans back in the stands!
Photo by Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire
