The Philadelphia Eagles are shaking things up just days before their Week 1 home game against the Washington Commanders, officially announcing two roster moves that are getting a lot of attention. Rookie tight end Eli Stowers is headed to injured reserve, a move that feels a bit wild given his pre-game comments. On the flip side, wide receiver Britain Covey got a temporary elevation from the practice squad, and that one was pretty much expected.
That Stowers Situation Is A Head-Scratcher
Talk about a curveball for a second-round pick. Eli Stowers, who was limited in practice all week and listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report, got downgraded to out on Saturday before hitting injured reserve with both hamstring and quadriceps injuries. The kicker? He told reporters just Friday that he expected to play! Now, he’s sidelined until after Week 4. It’s not the start anyone wanted for a 2026 second-round draft choice. Stowers was already the fourth tight end on the depth chart, struggling to make an impact on offense in training camp and preseason. Plus, he does not bring a special teams background, with only six snaps in his entire college career. This IR stint means he avoids being a healthy scratch, which frankly, would not have been a great look for a high draft pick. The Eagles still have Dallas Goedert, Johnny Mundt, and E.J. Jenkins at tight end, with Jenkins specifically talked up for his special teams ability.
Covey Steps Up As Expected
While Stowers’ news is a bit of a shocker, Britain Covey’s temporary elevation to the roster for Sunday’s game was widely expected. He is slated to be the Eagles’ primary punt returner and will also provide some much-needed depth at wide receiver. There was talk that 2026 first-round pick Makai Lemon might get a shot at punt returns, but it looks like that is not happening for Week 1. Under NFL rules, teams can elevate up to two practice squad players per game, and a player can be elevated three times in the regular season. This is Covey’s first elevation, so he has two more opportunities to get called up again later this year.
So, as the Eagles prepare to kick off their season against the Commanders, all eyes will be on how they navigate their tight end depth without Stowers and how Covey performs in his punt return duties. It is Week 1, and the early season drama is already here.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleeding Green Nation.
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