Eagles Place Bennett, Cooper and Nolan Smith on Injured Reserve, Add 3 Players to Active Roster
The Philadelphia Eagles made a wave of roster moves this week, highlighted by placing cornerback Jakorian Bennett, wide receiver Darius Cooper, and outside linebacker Nolan Smith on Injured Reserve. With those three sidelined, the front office moved quickly to fill roster spots and signed safety Marcus Epps, tight end Cameron Latu, and cornerback Parry Nickerson to the 53-man roster.
Philadelphia also added linebacker Lance Dixon, defensive back Eli Ricks, and wide receiver Quez Watkins to the practice squad, continuing a trend of recycling familiar names who have spent time with the organization in recent years.
Smith’s injury is the most significant headline. The 2023 first-round pick had already recorded eight pressures this season, according to Pro Football Focus, after breaking out last year with 6.5 sacks in the regular season and a franchise-record four in the playoffs. His triceps strain now lands him on IR, forcing the Eagles to find rotational help on the edge while giving younger players a chance to step up.
Bennett, acquired in a Training Camp trade with the Raiders, had logged 24 defensive snaps this season, while Cooper, who impressed as an undrafted free agent, exited Sunday’s game with a shoulder issue before landing on IR.
Epps, Latu, and Nickerson are no strangers to Philadelphia. Epps, released by the Patriots on cutdown day, suited up for the Eagles in the first three weeks before rejoining the 53-man roster. Latu made his NFL debut in Week 2 against the Chiefs and has filled in as a fullback due to injuries at that spot. Nickerson, a veteran of 30 career games across five NFL teams, last saw action in 2023 with the Dolphins.
The practice squad additions also bring back familiar faces. Dixon was waived by the Eagles earlier this year but returns for depth, Ricks has bounced between the active roster and practice squad, and Watkins, a sixth-round pick in 2020, re-signs after four productive years in Philly, including a career-high 647 receiving yards in 2021.
It’s been a flurry of moves for the Eagles, who are balancing injuries with the need for roster flexibility. While the loss of Smith looms large, the reinforcements could play pivotal roles as Philadelphia aims to stay unbeaten heading into Week 4.
May You Like
Popular Posts
