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In a move to add more safety depth, the Eagles announced they have signed rookie safety Keelan Johnson off their practice squad and onto the 53 man roster. Emmanuel Acho was cut in order to make room for Johnson.
Keelan Johnson (@3hree8ight) is a rookie out of Arizona State, 5-11, 212. He has been with the #Eagles since the regular season started.
— Eagles Insider (@EaglesInsider) December 17, 2013
The Eagles are lacking depth at safety with injuries to backups Kurt Coleman and Colt Anderson. This move doesn't bode well for their health. Otherwise, the only three healthy safeties on the roster are Nate Allen, Earl Wolff, and Patrick Chung. Johnson's promotion was a logical fit for depth purposes.
Johnson originally signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent after the 2013 NFL Draft. He spent time on their off-season roster until he was released in the final cuts. Shortly after leaving Miami, the Eagles scooped up Johnson as an addition to their practice squad.
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As for Emmanuel Acho, this is the second time the Eagles have released him this season. The first time was earlier in the season after the Eagles trimmed their roster down to 53 players. Acho spent some time as a free agent before finally being signed to the New York Giants' practice squad. A few weeks after that, the Eagles signed Acho off of NYG's practice squad and onto their main roster.
Acho's departure speaks well for the status of Najee Goode. Goode was largely absent in last week's practice and did not play in the Vikings game. Goode was seen in practice on Tuesday. Goode's presence is important to the Eagles' special teams unit.
With Keelan's addition to the main roster, the Eagles now only have seven players on the practice squad. That leaves an opening for one more. It should be noted Acho still has practice squad eligibility.
Eagles Practice Squad:
DE Brandon Bair
OT Michael Bamiro
WR B.J. Cunningham
TE Emil Igwenagu
QB G.J. Kinne
OLB Travis Long
WR Will Murphy
