Eagles promote Greg Ward to active roster, place Jordan Mailata on injured reserve

The Philadelphia Eagles promoted wide receiver Greg Ward from the practice squad to the active roster, according to an official announcement from the team. In order to open up a spot for him, the Eagles placed offensive tackle Jordan Mailata on injured reserve.

Ward’s promotion was expected given that starting wide receivers Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson did not participate at all in practice this week. Jackson has officially been ruled out for the Eagles’ Week 3 game against the Detroit Lions. Jeffery is questionable to play but reports indicate he could miss the team’s next two games.

If Jackson and Jeffery are both out, the Eagles will now have four healthy receivers for Sunday’s game: Nelson Agholor, Mack Hollins, JJ Arcega-Whiteside, and Ward. Agholor is the Eagles’ best and most experienced player from that group; he should see the majority of wide receiver targets. Hollins and Arcega-Whiteside are the second and third receivers in some order. Ward can handle some playing time in the slot, allowing Agholor to move outside. Ward will also be counted on to play special teams.

Sunday will be the first NFL game that Ward’s ever played in. He’s obviously spent time on the Eagles’ practice squad over the past few years but he had never been on the 53-man roster until now. It’s a nice opportunity for the 24-year-old, who some thought might beat out Hollins for a roster spot following a strong preseason showing.

Mailata heading to injured reserve isn’t much of a surprise since a back injury has prevented him from practicing since the third week of the preseason schedule. This development marks the second time in two years that Mailata has been placed on IR with a back injury, so that’s not ideal. Mailata is eligible to be activated off IR after eight weeks but one would imagine the Eagles won’t be using one of their two IR activation determinations on him. The Australian native’s season is likely over.

Mailata to IR means the Eagles now have “just” nine offensive lineman on their 53-man roster: Jason Peters, Isaac Seumalo, Jason Kelce, Brandon Brooks, Lane Johnson, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Andre Dillard, Matt Pryor, and Nate Herbig.

Current Eagles practice squad

CB Craig James

CB Ajene Harris

QB Kyle Lauletta

RB Boston Scott

WR Marcus Green

TE Joshua Perkins

OG Sua Opeta

DT Bruce Hector

LB Alex Singleton