The preseason has now finished for the Philadelphia Eagles which means it’s time for the front office and coaching staff to come together for the most grueling part of the NFL business – roster cuts. The Eagles are in a better position depth-wise than they have been for the last several years. They’ve also found a way to keep their major players healthy as they’ve avoided any major injuries.
Unfortunately, the team can’t keep all 80 of the players that are currently on the roster. Some will be waived and may not see a football field again until next season. While others will be placed on the practice squad where they’ll develop within the team as long they don’t get poached by another franchise. Here’s a quick look at five players on the roster bubble heading into Tuesday’s deadline.
WR John Hightower
After bursting on the scene with his quick release and unique speed Hightower has pretty much disappeared. He had issues with hauling in some easy passes last season when he was targeted which led to a terrible catch percentage as a rookie.
With Quez Watkins finding his footing now, it’s going to be tough for a player like Hightower to stick onto the roster while not making a sound all offseason. You’d have to think the first four WR’s that are locks are DeVonta Smith, Jalen Reagor, Quez Watkins, and Greg Ward Jr. The fifth spot seems to be up for grabs.
WR Travis Fulgham
Let’s stay with the wide receivers for a moment. What in the world happened to Travis Fulgham?! The man went from a sure-fire talent as the team’s WR1 last season to WR3 after Smith was drafted; to now being on the roster bubble because of his inconsistency.
While reports on his status within the team vary, the proof was in the pudding against the Jets. Fulgham didn’t make any plays that would seal his spot on this roster. Especially after making a big catch and fumbling it away.
G Matt Pryor
This one shouldn’t be hard to explain. Pryor has been as inconsistent as can be at a position that has an incredible amount of depth. The Eagles also signed Le’Raven Clark to be the team’s veteran swing tackle which should’ve been the biggest tell about Pryor’s future.
Michael Jacquet
Seeing Jacquet cut will be a tough pill to swallow. Jacquet showed signs of great potential last season as much as he faltered. This offseason didn’t help his case. He hasn’t shown any signs of growth in the three preseason games he’s played. Jacquet’s inability to read an offense or stick to a receiver is not what this team needs to deal with going forward.
Hassan Ridgeway
Ridgeway is an interesting story. The Eagles traded for him not too long ago in hopes that he’ll be the next young guy up on the defensive line. He’s been injured and inconsistent ever since being traded and at this point is just taking up a roster spot. The team drafted several young and talented players at that position this year that have shown out more than Ridgeway has in the last two years. It also doesn’t help that he’s only played 14 games in the last two years while recording only 3 sacks and 5 QB hits.
Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire
