Josh McCown leaves Eagles practice squad to join Texans

Well, here’s a surprise: Josh McCown is leaving the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad to join the Houston Texans’ 53-man roster. This much was first reported by McCown’s agent, Mike McCartney.

The Eagles originally signed McCown to be an unconventional remote member of their practice squad back in September. He was serving as a mentor voice in the quarterback room in addition to being able to suit up in an emergency situation.

There was thought that the Eagles brought McCown back on the practice squad to eventually transition him to a position on the coaching staff. They reportedly discussed making him their new offensive coordinator after the 2019 season but he wasn’t ready to officially retire from playing.

It remains to be seen how McCown leaving impacts his relationship with the Eagles. The 41-year-old is seemingly going to the Texans to be the third string quarterback behind Deshaun Watson and A.J. McCarron. And it’s not like Houston is on track to make the playoffs after a 1-6 start.

Perhaps the Texans offered McCown a lot more money than the Eagles were paying him in order to be a mentor for Watson. It also doesn’t hurt that McCown lives in Texas, making proximity a convenient factor for him.

Given how Carson Wentz has really struggled this season, it’s hardly like McCown’s mentorship was indispensable. But keeping him around seemed preferable to losing him.

In any case, McCown’s unexpected departure leaves the Eagles with an open spot on the practice squad. It also means Jalen Hurts and Nate Sudfeld are the only two quarterbacks behind Wentz.

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

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

RB Adrian Killins (1) [1]

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]

OG Jamon Brown (1) [1]

DE Joe Ostman (2) [0]

DE Shareef Miller (0) [0]

DT T.Y. McGill (5) [2]

DT Raequan Williams (1) [1]

LB Rashad Smith (0) [0]

CB Michael Jacquet (0) [1]

S Grayland Arnold (3) [2]

S Elijah Riley (2) [2]

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