Official: Eagles sign nine players to their 2019 practice squad, including Greg Ward

The Philadelphia Eagles signed nine players to their practice squad on Sunday afternoon, according to an official announcement from the team. For a more detailed explanation on how the practice squad works, [click here].

Practice squad

QB Kyle Lauletta

RB Boston Scott

WR Marcus Green

WR Greg Ward

TE Joshua Perkins

TE Alex Ellis

OG Sua Opeta

DT Bruce Hector

LB Alex Singleton

[Vacant spot]

Analysis

• Lauletta is a relatively intriguing addition. The Giants liked the former Richmond quarterback enough to select him with a fourth-round pick in 2018 (No. 108 overall). New York obviously didn’t like him enough to keep him on this year’s roster, especially after drafting Daniel Jones at No. 6 overall.

But it’s not like Lauletta wasn’t showing developmental progress. The 24-year-old’s 2019 preseason numbers were encouraging:

Assuming he doesn’t get poached in 2019, the Eagles can aim to have Lauletta compete for a No. 2 or No. 3 quarterback spot in 2020. Josh McCown will likely retire after this season and Nate Sudfeld will be an unrestricted free agent in March.

Lauletta is an Exton, Pennsylvania native who attended Downingtown High School East and grew up as an Eagles fan.

• The Eagles deserve credit for being willing to give up on Clayton Thorson (as opposed to doubling down on a sunk cost). But they also deserve criticism for blowing one of their only five picks from the 2019 NFL Draft. Sure, every team has misses in the draft. But there was nothing about Thorson’s profile that pointed to him being a successful NFL quarterback. He’s older for rookie standards (turns 24 this season), he has an injury history (torn ACL), and his college stats were bad (which historically doesn’t bode well for NFL success). It was a pick likely doomed to fail from the start. Now he’s the Cowboys’ waste of time.
• Keeping Scott around is nice since 2019 should mark Darren Sproles’ last year with the Eagles ... for real this time. Scott can compete for a roster spot in 2020.
• Green is an interesting gadget player with wide receiver, running back, and kick/punt returning experience. He’s only 5-8, 191 pounds. Between Green, Scott (5-7, 203), and Sproles (5-6, 190), the Eagles have some real short dudes on the team.
• See? There was no need to worry about losing Ward and keeping Mack Hollins instead. Now the Eagles still have both guys.
• Will the Eagles promote Perkins to the 53 soon? Hard to imagine them keeping only two tight ends on the roster.
• Ellis did some nice things in training camp practices and preseason games. Good to see him sticking around but I think he’s still behind Perkins on the team’s depth chart.
• Opeta’s presence gives the Eagles more developmental depth on the offensive line.
• Interesting to see the Eagles sign Bruce Hector to the practice squad despite the fact Treyvon Hester cleared waivers. The Eagles traded Hector to the Cardinals for Rudy Ford — who made Philly’s 53-man roster — but Arizona waived Hector and now he’s back with the Eagles. That’s a win.
• Keeping Singleton is a nice bonus for the Eagles. He had talked about going back to the CFL but instead he’ll be providing Philly with linebacker and special teams depth.
• The Eagles really went offense heavy on the practice squad; they only signed two defenders.
• The Eagles only signed nine practice squad guys so they still have one opening. Keep an eye on former Vikings cornerback Craig James for that spot. James is reportedly set to work out for the Eagles.
• For a look at the Eagles’ 53-man depth chart, [click here].