Eagles release two veterans, sign defensive tackle from Raiders practice squad

The Philadelphia Eagles officially announced some roster moves on Monday evening. Veteran cornerback Orlando Scandrick and veteran defensive tackle Akeem Spence have been released. In addition, the Eagles signed undrafted rookie defensive tackle Anthony Rush from the Oakland Raiders’ practice squad.

The Eagles have Jalen Mills back from injury and Cre’Von LeBlanc can be activated from injured reserve to the 53-man roster as soon as Week 9, so Scandrick’s band-aid presence wasn’t needed anymore.

In Scandrick’s Week 5 debut against the Jets, he had 2.0 sacks and two forced fumbles, returning one 44 yards for a touchdown. He went from 34 snaps in his first game as an Eagle to just 13 against the Vikings, but was back for 51% of defensive snaps against the Dallas Cowboys. Unfortunately, he wasn’t as effective on Sunday against his former team, and made just 3 tackles.

The Eagles originally signed the 27-year-old Spence after Malik Jackson got hurt in Week 1. He had six tackles in six games with Philly. The Eagles are now deciding to go with a younger option at defensive tackle by signing Rush, who originally signed with the Eagles following the 2019 NFL Draft. Rush had a good preseason with the Raiders after being cut by the Eagles.

Coincidentally enough, the Eagles released Rush to make room for Scandrick on the 90-man roster back in late July. Now Scandrick is gone and Rush is back. Rush will have an opportunity to play right away with Fletcher Cox being the only other healthy defensive tackle on the 53-man roster. Hassan Ridgeway suffered an ankle injury on Sunday evening.

The Eagles still have one open roster spot to fill.