Eagles waive a cornerback ahead of Jalen Mills’ potential return

The Philadelphia Eagles waived cornerback Ryan Lewis on Monday afternoon, according to an official announcement from the team.

The Eagles originally signed Lewis to their practice squad two weeks leading up to their Week 5 game against the New York Jets. The Eagles then promoted him from the practice squad to the active roster later in the week when they realized Sidney Jones wouldn’t be ready to play.

Lewis was on the roster because the Eagles were previously down to just Rasul Douglas, Orlando Scandrick, and Craig James as their only healthy cornerbacks. He’s not needed now that Jalen Mills and/or Ronald Darby are potentially returning to the field this weekend.

Mills is eligible to practice this week for the first time since going on the Physically Unable to Perform list prior to the start of training camp. Here’s what Doug Pederson had to say about Mills earlier today:

Looking at it, we’re going to incorporate Jalen Mills a little bit this week in practice. We’ll see where he’s at by the end of the week, and if he’s capable, maybe there’s an opportunity there. [...] You have to be careful with Jalen, number one. He hasn’t played in a while. That’s why the practice is so important this week for him. I think you still have to have a plan. Obviously if he can’t go 60 minutes, I don’t think it would be smart on our part to put him out there for a full 60 minute game if he’s ready to go.

Mills practicing this week means the Eagles have 21 days to activate him to their 53-man roster (or else rule him out for the season). By cutting Lewis, the Eagles freed up a roster spot that Mills can take if he’s ready to play this week. Otherwise, the Eagles can keep Mills on PUP if he isn’t ready.

As for Darby, who suffered a hamstring injury in Week 3 and hasn’t played since, Pederson said he doesn’t need to be eased in.

“I think Darby on the other hand, you probably could do that just because he’s played and he’s played this season. So, probably two different guys, so I would expect Darby to maybe play a little more if he’s healthy and ready than say Jalen.”

When healthy, Darby and Mills figure to be the Eagles’ starting cornerbacks. It could be those two starting against the Cowboys this week, though Mills’ snaps will clearly be limited even if he does suit up.