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The Philadelphia Eagles filled their roster vacancy by claiming Trae Elston off of waivers, according to an official announcement from the team. Elston was recently released by the Buffalo Bills.
Elston played college football for Ole Miss before going undrafted in 2016. He originally signed with the New Orleans Saints before being released during final cuts. He bounced around the Buccaneers and Browns before being claimed by the Bills earlier this year.
The 5-11, 195 pound Elston led the Bills in tackles this preseason with 12. He also had one forced fumble and one pass deflection.
The Eagles are desperately thin at safety due to injuries to Rodney McLeod, Corey Graham, and Jaylen Watkins. All three of those players did not practice on Wednesday. Elston is likely being brought in for emergency purposes since Malcolm Jenkins and Chris Maragos are the only healthy safeties on Philadelphia’s roster.
Note that Elston wasn’t Philly’s first choice. The Birds tried to sign a safety from the Bears’ practice squad on Tuesday.
With Elston claimed, the Eagles’ roster is now officially at the 53-man limit.