Philadelphia Eagles cut three practice squad players, sign one

In addition to making some changes to their 53-man roster, the Philadelphia Eagles announced some practice squad moves on Friday afternoon.

The following players have been released: defensive tackle Winston Craig, wide receiver Greg Ward Jr., and wide receiver Rashard Davis.

The following player has been signed: defensive tackle Treyvon Hester.

It’s not surprising to see the Eagles cut Craig and Ward. Craig, a Richmond alumnus (Joe Douglas connection), seems strictly more like a practice body than he does a developmental prospect. The Eagles liked Ward’s potential last year but he didn’t really show signs of improvement this summer.

Cutting Davis is a little more surprising. He seemed to be pushing for a roster spot before DeAndre Carter stepped up and beat him out. Davis deserved to be on the practice squad.

Another surprising part about Davis (and Ward) getting cut is that the Eagles only have five healthy receivers on their 53-man roster with Alshon Jeffery missing time and Mack Hollins being placed on injured reserve. Maybe the Eagles intend to sign one of the two pass catchers they worked out earlier this week?

The new guy, Hester, originally entered the league as a seventh-round pick by the Raiders in the 2017 NFL Draft. As a rookie, Hester played in 14 games (one start) and had nine tackles and one forced fumble. Hester made Oakland’s original 53-man roster last weekend but he got cut after Jon Gruden’s team claimed a player on waivers and needed to make room.

Speaking of waiver claims, the Eagles unsuccessfully tried to claim two defensive linemen earlier this week. It’s clear they’ve been looking for some more depth at the defensive tackle position. Hester is that guy for now.

For those keeping track, the Eagles now have two vacant practice squad spots. It remains to be seen how they’ll fill them. It’s possible the Eagles will put Tre Sullivan, whom they waived on Friday, back on the PS if he goes through waivers unclaimed. That still leaves one open spot.

Given how much Howie Roseman likes to churn the bottom of the roster, it’s entirely possible we see some of these waived players return during the season.

Stay tuned to Bleeding Green Nation for more very important practice squad news.

Current Eagles practice squad

RB Josh Adams

CB De’Vante Bausby

TE Billy Brown

DT Treyvon Hester

DE Joe Ostman

CB Chandon Sullivan

C Jon Toth

LB Joe Walker

(Vacant)

(Vacant)