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The Philadelphia Eagles waived wide receivers Marken Michel and River Cracraft (yes, a real person) on Thursday evening, according to an official announcement from the team.
Michel and Cracraft were two of 16 wide receivers the Eagles were rostering. It was clear that there were going to be cuts at that position following the team’s additions through the 2020 NFL Draft.
Eagles have 5 WR jersey numbers open, including offseason single digits: 2, 3, 13, 18, 82 … (9 and 87 also open but haven’t been given out since Foles/Celek).
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) April 27, 2020
Eagles recently added 6 new WRs: Reagor, Goodwin, Hightower, Watkins, Tate, Bailey.
Some cuts likely on the way.
The No. 80 and No. 6 jerseys are now available with these two departures.
Michel originally signed a future contract with the Eagles in January 2019. He looked good in OTAs and even caught a 75-yard touchdown in the preseason but didn’t crack the roster. The Eagles brought him back on the practice squad in early December. Some fans wanted to see the team give him a chance but they opted to promote Robert Davis and Deontay Burnett instead.
Cracraft signed to the Eagles’ practice squad on Christmas Eve. He signed a future contract with the Eagles after the 2019 season ended.
Here’s an updated list of the 14 receivers on Philly’s roster:
1 - Alshon Jeffery
2 - DeSean Jackson
3 - Jalen Reagor
4 - JJ Arcega-Whiteside
5 - Greg Ward
6 - Marquise Goodwin
7 - John Hightower
8 - Quez Watkins
9 - Robert Davis
10 - Deontay Burnett
11 - Shelton Gibson
12 - Marcus Green
13- Khalil Tate
14 - Manasseh Bailey
Jeffery’s status is in doubt. Even if the Eagles do keep him, he could begin the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Jackson can still make a big impact if he’s able to stay healthy, which is a big question mark. Reagor is going to have an opportunity to contribute right away. JJAW could potentially start in Jeffery’s place since the Eagles view them in the same role. Ward might see some rotational playing time in the slot, assuming he makes the team. Goodwin’s NFL experience could allow him to beat out less reliable rookies. Hightower and Watkins are pushing for fifth/sixth/seven receiver spots on the 53-man roster. Everyone else is a long shot to make the team and will really have to impress in order to stick around.