:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51332675/usa-today-9523199.0.jpg)
In the wake of Lane Johnson’s suspension, the Eagles had a roster spot open on their 53-man roster. Doug Pederson said Wednesday the team would make a move before the end of the week. That move came Thursday morning.
They’ve signed cornerback C.J. Smith from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. They also signed former Houston Texans tight end Anthony Denham to the practice squad.
Smith, a former North Dakota State teammate of Carson Wentz’s who went undrafted this past spring, had a very good summer and training camp, and there were thoughts of him joining the roster straight-up when roster cuts came around. He didn’t make it at the time, but Smith was considered a likely promotion in case roster spots became available, in large part because the Eagles only kept four cornerbacks on the roster. Smith becomes the team’s fifth CB.
Back in early September, when the team traded Eric Rowe to the Patriots, Doug Pederson mentioned Smith and his development as one of numerous reasons they felt comfortable trading Rowe and carrying just four cornerbacks into the season:
Pederson: CJ Smith was one reason Rowe was expendable ... CJ not on 53 yet, though. Lot of competition at corner. Great opp for Rowe in NE.
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) September 7, 2016
He even earned some playing time with the Eagles’ first team in the third preseason game. If Leodis McKelvin can’t go this weekend, or gets hurt again in the future, Smith will be someone very much worth keeping an eye on.
Denham, meanwhile, went undrafted out of Utah two years ago and has never caught a pass in the NFL.