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The Philadelphia Eagles signed free agent safety A.J. Howard (not to be confused with O.J. Howard) to their practice squad, according to the NFL’s official transaction wire. In a corresponding move, the Eagles waived practice squad tight end Scott Orndoff.
Howard worked out for the Eagles on Monday. Here’s what BGN wrote earlier today:
Howard was recently released after spending a week on the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad. Prior to that short stint, Howard was a member of the New England Patriots. You know, the team that the Eagles are scheduled play this weekend. Hmm.
The 23-year-old Howard originally signed to the Patriots’ practice squad back in January and remained with the team until final cuts took place. So, the 2018 undrafted rookie free agent spent an entire offseason with New England.
I don’t think Howard’s status as a former member of Philly’s Week 11 opponent is the only reason the Eagles brought him in for a visit. The Eagles cut Andrew Sendejo last week so it’s entirely plausible they’re kicking the tires on some free agent safety options.
With that said, I’m sure the Eagles didn’t mind picking Howard’s brain on his experience with the Pats.
BGN community member rstocker87 astutely noted the Ravens were able to beat the Patriots after bringing Howard in for a week. The Eagles can only hope the same strategy works for them this Sunday.
The Howard signing gives the Eagles a fifth safety for practice behind the following four safeties on the 53-man roster: Malcolm Jenkins, Rodney McLeod, Rudy Ford, and Marcus Epps.
As for Orndoff, the Eagles only added him to their practice squad in late October. The team still has two tight ends on the 53-man roster — Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert — in addition to one on the practice squad: Joshua Perkins.
Current Eagles practice squad
S A.J. Howard
DT Bruce Hector
C Keegan Render
RB De’Angelo Henderson
WR Robert Davis
WR Greg Ward
QB Kyle Lauletta
WR Marcus Green
TE Joshua Perkins
OG Sua Opeta