Eagles designate four practice squad protections ahead of Week 10

New this season, NFL teams are now permitted to protect up to four of their 16 practice squad members from being poached by other clubs on a weekly basis.

The Philadelphia Eagles designated the following four players ahead of their Week 10 game against the New York Giants: tight end Jason Croom, offensive guard Jamon Brown, defensive tackle T.Y. McGill, and cornerback Michael Jacquet.

JASON CROOM

The Eagles could look to elevate Croom as a third tight end behind Dallas Goedert and Richard Rodgers. He’d be required to pass through waivers before being eligible to rejoin the practice squad, though.

JAMON BROWN

Wrote the following about Brown two weeks ago:

Not sure why Brown is still here.

I get the Eagles keeping him around for [Week 7] because it was a Thursday game and it’s not like they could bring someone else in on short notice with the COVID-19 testing delay. But they could’ve moved on from him after Thursday and tried to get a new guard in here.

Literally anyone would probably be better. Bring back undrafted rookie free agent Julian Good-Jones, who was with the team in camp. He at least has theoretical upside whereas [the 27-year-old] Brown does not.

The Eagles should part ways with Brown after this week’s game. With the bye week coming up, they’ll have enough time to get a new guy in the building ahead of their Week 10 game.

Is any other team clamoring for Brown that the Eagles really need to use a protection on him? It’s not the biggest deal in the world but it’ll be annoying if one of the young developmental players gets poached.

Brown figures to be more expendable than ever with Isaac Seumalo, Lane Johnson and/or Jack Driscoll potentially all returning this weekend. I don’t really get it.

T.Y. MCGILL

This marks the sixth time the Eagles have protected McGill this season. As is the case with Croom, elevating McGill would expose him to waivers following Sunday’s game. The Eagles could instead look to elevate the recently reacquired Treyvon Hester or Raequan Williams if they want additional defensive tackle depth. Fletcher Cox, Malik Jackson, and Javon Hargrave are currently the only three players at their position on the 53-man roster.

MICHAEL JACQUET

Jacquet was forced to play in Week 8 after Cre’Von LeBlanc suffered a practice injury and Darius Slay got injured during the Dallas Cowboys game. Slay is expected back this week but Strap’s status isn’t as clear. The latter applies to Craig James, who also sat out before the bye. Given the uncertainty at cornerback, protecting Jacquet makes sense in case the team needs to elevate him. Jacquet looked solid relative to low expectations in his NFL debut. Of course, it helped that “Ben DiNucci” was playing quarterback for the Cowboys.

See below for a current look at the Eagles’ 2020 practice squad.

Format: Position, player, (times protected this season), [times elevated this season]

TE Jason Croom (2) [2] — Protected this week

OG Jamon Brown (2) [1] — Protected this week

DT T.Y. McGill (6) [2] — Protected this week

CB Michael Jacquet (1) [1] — Protected this week

RB Elijah Holyfield (0) [0]

WR Deontay Burnett (4) [2]

TE Hakeem Butler (0) [0]

TE Caleb Wilson (0) [0]

OT Prince Tega Wanogho (1) [0]

DE Joe Ostman (2) [0]

DE Shareef Miller (0) [0]

DT Raequan Williams (1) [1]

DT Treyvon Hester (0) [0]

LB Rashad Smith (0) [0]

S Grayland Arnold (3) [2]

S Elijah Riley (2) [2]

{DE Matt Leo — international spot - doesn’t count towards limit}