Eagles designate four practice squad protections ahead of Week 13

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 Week 13: running back Jordan Howard, offensive guard Jamon Brown, linebacker Rashad Smith, and defensive tackle Raequan Williams.

JORDAN HOWARD

The Eagles had success running the football with Howard against the Green Bay Packers last year. He had 15 carries for 87 yards (5.8 average) and two touchdowns in that game. Howard, not known for his receiving prowess, also had three receptions for 28 yards and another score. Perhaps the Eagles, in desperation to get their offense going, will look to elevate Howard for this week’s matchup. Or they could just sign him to the roster since they currently have an open spot.

JAMON BROWN

That the Eagles are still employing Brown doesn’t make any sense to me. He’s proved to be an awful short-term option and the 27-year-old isn’t going to be in the long-term plans. Who’s really trying to poach him away? I don’t get it.

RASHAD SMITH

A little interesting to see Smith protected by the Eagles for the first time this season. Perhaps this designation is related to T.J. Edwards being limited in Wednesday’s practice due to a hamstring injury.

RAEQUAN WILLIAMS

The Eagles had been promoting T.Y. McGill through the COVID elevation option but now that Philly has no more players on the reserve/COVID-19 list, they can’t do that. And so Williams could be elevated as the fourth defensive tackle behind Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, and Malik Jackson. Also worth noting that Cox didn’t practice on Wednesday due to a neck injury.

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

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

*Not counting COVID-19 elevations.

RB Jordan Howard (2) [0] — Protected this week

OG Jamon Brown (3) [1] — Protected this week

DT Raequan Williams (3) [1] — Protected this week

LB Rashad Smith (1) [0] — Protected this week

RB Elijah Holyfield (0) [1]

TE Caleb Wilson (3) [2]

TE Jason Croom (2) [2]

TE Hakeem Butler (0) [0]

OT Prince Tega Wanogho (1) [0]

DE Joe Ostman (3) [0]

DT T.Y. McGill (7) [2]

DT Treyvon Hester (0) [0]

CB Kevon Seymour (0) [0]

CB Jameson Houston (0) [0]

S Elijah Riley (2) [2]

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

PRACTICE SQUAD COVID-19 LIST

WR Deontay Burnett (4) [2]