Eagles make series of roster move & prepare for return of Will Parks

Eagles
SANTA CLARA, CA – AUGUST 19: Denver Broncos Safety Will Parks (34) chases down San Francisco 49ers Tight End Vance McDonald (89) during an NFL preseason game between the Denver Broncos and the San Francisco 49ers on August 19, 2017 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. (Photo by Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire)

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