Eagles sign defensive tackle from practice squad, cut a safety

The Philadelphia Eagles made a roster move on Saturday morning. The team officially promoted Justin Hamilton from their practice squad to their active roster. In order to make room for Hamilton, the Eagles waived safety Trae Elston.

The Eagles promoted Hamilton because two of Philadelphia’s five defensive tackles on the 53-man roster are currently injured. Fletcher Cox and Destiny Vaeao have both been ruled out for Sunday’s Eagles-Chargers game. It’s unclear exactly when they’ll return.

Hamilton played well this summer. He probably would have made the roster if the Eagles didn’t already have so much depth at defensive tackle.

Tim Jernigan and Beau Allen are expected to start at defensive tackle for the Eagles this week. Hamilton and sixth-round rookie Elijah Qualls will serve as rotational backups.

Elston was claimed by the Eagles off of waivers last Thursday. Philadelphia really needed safety depth at the time because Rodney McLeod, Corey Graham, and Jaylen Watkins were all not practicing. With McLeod returning this week, however, Elston wasn’t needed around anymore.

The Eagles now have a vacancy on their practice squad. Philadelphia worked out some free agent players earlier this week so maybe they’ll look to sign one of them.