The Eagles elevated 10 players from their practice squad ahead of Saturday’s season finale against the Dallas Cowboys.
Following the activation of center Jason Kelce from the reserve/COVID-19 list on Friday, the team decided to fill out its depth chart with practice squad talent. While the team is likely to rest most of its starters against the Cowboys, the depth chart still needs bodies to make sure head coach Nick Sirianni can field a viable team this weekend.
The team announced the elevation of the following practice-squad players as COVID-19 replacements:
- RB Jason Huntley: The second-year running back has spent the entire season on the practice squad after working with the staff in training camp. He can also return kicks.
- G/T Kayode Awosika: The former college tackle projects to be used at guard in the NFL. He’s been on the practice squad throughout his entire rookie season.
- TE Richard Rodgers: The eight-year veteran should be the starting tight end on Saturday with Dallas Goedert and Jack Stoll likely to miss the matchup on the COVID-19 list. He’s already appeared in two games this season.
- TE Noah Togiai: The second-year tight end has spent most of the season on the practice squad. He worked with head coach Nick Sirianni and tight ends coach Jason Michael in Indianapolis last year.
- OT Casey Tucker: The on-again, off-again practice squad veteran might make his NFL debut against the Cowboys as a swing tackle.
- S Jared Mayden: Mayden has become a favorite of special teams coordinator Michael Clay over the past month. He will play on defense to fill the safety depth chart as well.
- DT Raequan Williams: The second-year lineman will finally get back on the field after spending the entire season on the practice squad.
- DT Marvin Wilson: The once-touted rookie will make his NFL debut against the Cowboys after spending the entire season on the practice squad.
- CB Mac McCain: The rookie cornerback will play his second game after bouncing on and off the roster all season.
- LB Christian Elliss: The Eagles need linebacker depth behind T.J. Edwards, Shaun Bradley and JaCoby Stevens.
Those players will replace the following main-roster contributors who remain on the reserve/COVID-19 list:
- RB Boston Scott: Last week’s hero is probably going to be rested for the playoffs, one way or another.
- RB Jordan Howard: Still dealing with a stinger injury, Howard could probably use the extra rest this week.
- RG Nate Herbig: The young guard has played well this season as a fill-in starter, but he will probably miss this final matchup.
- TE Dallas Goedert: This is Goedert’s second stint on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Sitting him for the playoffs makes a lot of sense.
- TE Jack Stoll: The undrafted rookie has played more snaps than anyone in the Eagles’ draft class not named DeVonta Smith or Landon Dickerson.
- DT Fletcher Cox: The former All-Pro will get to relax for a meaningless game.
- LB Alex Singleton: The starting linebacker is on the list for the second time this year. He will probably miss this matchup.
- LB Genard Avery: After making a huge play last week, Avery will probably watch this game from home.
- CB Avonte Maddox: The secondary standout’s stint on the COVID-19 list could open up some playing for up-and-comer Josiah Scott.
- FS Rodney McLeod: After making a game-clinching interception last week, McLeod is on the shelf. The Eagles are very light at safety at this point.
- S Marcus Epps: With McLeod and Epps on the COVID-19 list, fellow starter Anthony Harris is likely to play on Saturday.
* The Eagles also added kicker Matt McCrane to the practice squad on Saturday.
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The Eagles have already ruled out starting running back Miles Sanders (hand) for the matchup against the Cowboys. With Howard and Scott still on the COVID-19 list, look for rookie Kenny Gainwell to lead the backfield with Huntley behind him.
Right tackle Lane Johnson (knee/rest) and left guard Landon Dickerson (thumb) have both been listed as questionable for the matchup. If Johnson were to miss the game, he would likely be replaced by Le’Raven Clark, while Dickerson would probably be replaced by Sua Opeta. Brett Toth and Kayode Awosika will serve as depth behind the starters.
The Eagles previously elevated rookie linebacker JaCoby Stevens and defensive end Cameron Malveaux from the practice squad as COVID-19 replacements. Stevens and Malveaux will fill out the depth charts at their respective positions, especially with the Eagles likely to rest some of their starters, including T.J. Edwards and Josh Sweat.
The Eagles will host the Cowboys on Saturday at 8:15 p.m. ET in South Philadelphia. The game was moved from its originally scheduled spot of 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
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Mike Kaye may be reached at mkaye@njadvancemedia.com.
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