The Philadelphia Eagles just dropped six roster moves ahead of their big Week 7 Monday night game against the Dallas Cowboys. This isn’t just shuffling deck chairs, folks, this is about getting key players back, but not all returns are looking like sure bets, especially when you talk about Pro Bowler Landon Dickerson.
The Big Returns: IR Activations and Shaky Prospects
First up, the Eagles activated three players from injured reserve: offensive guard Landon Dickerson, tight end Grant Calcaterra, and rookie tight end Eli Stowers. Dickerson’s return to the starting lineup is massive, but it comes with a huge question mark. The guy struggled big time in Week 1 before hitting IR, and there’s a real concern that the three-time Pro Bowler might not be the player he once was because of injuries. His performance on Monday night and moving forward is going to be under a microscope. Can he be healthy, or is time taking its toll?
Then there’s the tight end situation, which feels a little desperate. Grant Calcaterra is back to provide depth, because Dallas Goedert is playing hurt and Johnny Mundt is the only other healthy body at the position. Let’s be real, no one’s jumping for joy about Calcaterra’s blocking, even if he helps on special teams. And then Eli Stowers, the rookie, is set to make his NFL debut after being on IR since before Week 1. This isn’t exactly a triumphant return either, as the kid apparently failed to impress in the offseason and only played six special teams snaps in five years of college ball. The Eagles are thin at tight end, so maybe he’ll get a shot, but it’s far from a slam dunk.
Practice Squad Boosts and the Unlucky List
To beef up the roster, the Eagles also temporarily elevated two players from the practice squad: edge rusher Keyshawn James-Newby and running back Elijah Mitchell. They needed James-Newby for edge rusher depth with Jalyx Hunt and Jonathan Greenard both questionable for the game. Mitchell provides some much-needed depth at running back. Teams can elevate up to two practice squad players per game, and each player gets three regular season elevations, so these are strategic moves.
On the flip side, cornerback Jakorian Bennett was ruled out for the game and is still on IR. Tough break there. And in a “non-move” that’s still important, Zach Ertz maxed out his three temporary practice squad elevations from Week 3 through Week 5. He was ineligible to play in Week 6 and, despite needing tight end help, the team didn’t put him on the roster for Week 7. It looks like they’re just moving on there.
So, as the Eagles gear up for a pivotal Monday night showdown against the Cowboys, all eyes will be on how these activated players perform, especially Dickerson. The season’s stakes are high, and every snap matters now.
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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