Some Familiar Faces Join the Eagles Practice Squad

by Bob_Q on Sep 7, 2009 11:00 AM EDT in Philadelphia Eagles News

This morning, the Eagles announced the completion of their practice squad with the signing of three additional players: fullback Marcus Mailei, cornerback Jack Ikegwuonu, and safety Reshard Langford. This makes seven of the eight practice squad players former Eagles that were released on Saturday, with the newcomer being linebacker Jeremy Leman. Here is a little more information about Leman from our friend Dave Spadaro:

The 6-2, 240-pound Leman was originally signed by the Minnesota Vikings as a rookie free agent in 2008, but was released by the Vikings prior to the start of the regular season. He signed with the Panthers during the 2009 off-season and saw action in all four preseason games, registering 19 tackles.

A native of Champaign, IL, Leman was a four-year starter at Illinois and finished his collegiate career with 407 tackles and 8.5 sacks. He earned first-team All-America honors following his senior season in 2007.

That gives the Eagles eight players on the practice squad. Players can be dropped or added at any time, as long as the numbers of players on the practice squad does not exceed eight. Players can also be signed off the practice squad and added to another team's 53-man roster.

While the practice squad is by no means final, it is nice to see that Eagles haven't given up on young projects like Mailei and Ike, who still have the chance to develop into quality players once the depth above them clears up a bit. However, remember that placing these players on the practice squad means that any other team can claim them off waivers at any time throughout the season (ala LB Andy Studebaker from last year) so there is a chance we won't be seeing some them at training camp next year.

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I’m surprised that Bryan Smith wasn’t added to the practice squad. Does anybody know if he went to anybody elses?

fightlockdown.com

by The Legend on Sep 7, 2009 11:05 AM EDT reply actions

I can’t find anything. Looks like he’s simply out of a job…

by Bob_Q on Sep 7, 2009 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions

They just said on Eagles Live that he is on the Rams practice squad

fightlockdown.com

by The Legend on Sep 7, 2009 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions

That makes sense

I figured more guys would end up on ex-Eagles coaches teams (Rams, Ravens, Vikings). Still surprised he was not chosen for a roster spot. Good pickup for them.

by phxphilly on Sep 7, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm with you guys

I thought he was the most difficult cut. High draft pick and did show decent skills when he played. DE is such a critical position. Even though Eagles are 6 deep there you always keep a good pass rusher. (For example, Marques Murrell made the Jets. Speaking of Jets, did they just drop Danny Woodhead and his 158 rushing yards for Jason Davis ex-eagle practice squad FB? Wow!)

by phxphilly on Sep 7, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions

JIPBTA

jack is practicing better than asante.

someone made a point the other day about us drafting injured players like Ike and Ingram. annoying indeed.

by Bleediots on Sep 7, 2009 11:40 AM EDT reply actions

In fairness, Ike was a 4 and Ingram was a 5. The hit rates for 4’s and 5’s are low to begin with – I have no problem with Andy taking shots on guys with injuries that late who would otherwise be much higher picks.

Bye, Big Stew and JJ :(

by JimmyK on Sep 7, 2009 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Good Practice Squad

Filled depth needs at FB, TE, LB.
Andy always likes OL and with Cole, Jean-Gilles, Justice in last year of the their contracts these guys can continue to develop. I really like Gibson’s versatility.
Ike has talent and I guess Langford is insurance in the secondary who knows the coverages. Would have preferred Bryan Smith in this spot though.
Amendola fills the quick guy / returner role they normally keep on practice squad. I’m guessing he is the scout team guy for Reggie Bush / Devin Hester types.

by phxphilly on Sep 7, 2009 1:18 PM EDT reply actions

I like Bryan Smith

But why don’t we try to sign Tim Crowder?? Denver cut him (think he was playing out of position in the 3-4, and we appear to have had some success with that this pre-season). He needs to be in an attacking 4-3 defense. The draftniks wanted the Iggles to draft him a few years ago when he came out. He’s 6’4" 275 or so, so better suited for run defense than Juqua or Clarence Clemons and much younger than Howard.

by DLawrence on Sep 7, 2009 2:23 PM EDT reply actions

Blocking TE

I also just read that Bear Pascoe got cut by the Niners. People were raving about him being a great blocking TE during the draft.

by DLawrence on Sep 7, 2009 4:33 PM EDT reply actions

seen him play at fresno state

best tight end i seen from there in a while

i like vick

by dday on Sep 9, 2009 1:31 AM EDT up reply actions

Waivers??

“However, remember that placing these players on the practice squad means that any other team can claim them off waivers at any time throughout the season”

Waivers are not involved at all now – any team can sign a player off any practice squad but the player must remain on the 53 man roster for a number of weeks (4 IIRC).

by deep64blue on Sep 7, 2009 5:09 PM EDT reply actions