Eagles release and bring back defensive tackle from practice squad [UPDATE]

UPDATE: Sounds like this was some kind of procedural thing and Justin Hamilton is back with the team. False alarm.

Original story below.

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The Philadelphia Eagles made a minor move on Saturday. The team released practice squad defensive tackle Justin Hamilton, according to the NFL’s official transaction page.

This news is a little surprising. Hamilton seemed to have a pretty good offseason. He took a majority of the second team defensive tackle reps during practice and preseason games. I expected another team to claim him on waivers after final cuts, but that clearly didn’t happen. The Eagles signed him to their practice squad and now Hamilton is gone just two weeks later.

Another reason why the timing of Hamilton’s release is surprising is because backup defensive tackle Destiny Vaeao (wrist) is injured and won’t play this week. I guess his injury isn’t too serious because it wouldn’t make sense to release Hamilton at a time where defensive tackle depth is needed.

It seemed like Hamilton had a chance to make Philadelphia’s final 53-man roster before the 24-year-old was outplayed by sixth-round rookie Elijah Qualls. Now Hamilton is a free agent.

Earlier this week, the Eagles released cornerback C.J. Smith and wide receiver Greg Ward Jr. from the practice squad in order to make room for offensive tackle Victor Salako and former Chiefs cornerback DeVante Bausby. Smith got picked up by the Browns for their practice squad, so he’s not returning. Maybe the Eagles will try to bring Ward back?

UPDATED LOOK AT THE 2017 EAGLES PRACTICE SQUAD

DT Justin Hamilton

CB DeVante Bausby

OT Victor Salako

QB Nate Sudfeld

C/G Josh Andrews

TE Billy Brown

LB Nathan Gerry

OT Dillon Gordon

RB Byron Marshall

WR Bryce Treggs