Miami Dolphins sign former Eagles linebacker Jake Knott to practice squad

Former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jake Knott is back in the NFL. According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Caplan, Knott is expected to sign with the Miami Dolphins on a practice squad contract.

Knott originally signed with the Eagles as an undrafted rookie free agent following the 2013 NFL Draft. The 6-2, 246 pound Iowa State linebacker impressed the coaching staff enough in the summer to earn a spot on the 53-man roster. As a rookie, Knott appeared in 12 games for Philadelphia. He largely served as a backup and contributed on special teams.

Knott's second season didn't get off to a good start. It was announced in the spring that he was suspended for the first four games of the 2014 season due to testing positive for PEDS. In training camp, Knott suffered a hamstring injury that caused him to miss several weeks of practice before the team released him in the first round of cuts.

His career in Philadelphia did not end there. The Eagles signed Knott back to a practice squad contract following the end of his suspension in October. Shortly after, however, he tore his MCL and PCL. The team waived him with an injury settlement.

The Eagles clearly had some kind of hopes for Knott, but it just wasn't meant to be. Now the second-year player will have the opportunity to catch on in Miami. Perhaps Philadelphia will try to acquire him after the season is over when the roster limit expands to 90.

Knott's situation is just one of the many examples of how the Eagles have been unfortunate at the inside linebacker position this season. Jason Phillips, who the team signed in the 2013 offseason, failed to fully recovery from his ACL injury suffered in the previous summer. Travis Long suffered an ACL injury prior the final cuts. Najee Goode suffered a season-ending injury in the first week of the season. Mychal Kendricks suffered a calf injury that kept him out several weeks but he's back now. Shortly after Kendricks made his return, veteran starter DeMeco Ryans suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. Even backup Emmanuel Acho has been banged up with a groin injury in recent weeks.

Had Knott been able to stay healthy, he would have had ample opportunity to earn playing time with the Eagles. But he didn't, and now he's taking his talents to South Beach.

Signed to Miami Dolphins practice squad #FinsUp

— Jake Knott (@Jknott20) December 2, 2014