Writer: Kevin Durso
UPDATE: Parkey makes roster; Josey, Kinne among first cuts
I have been writing for Sports Talk Philly since 2011. Currently editor and lead writer of Philadelphia Flyers coverage. Co-host of the YWT Podcast. I also am Flyers insider for 97.3 ESPN-FM in South Jersey. I graduated from Cabrini University in 2014.
All posts by Kevin DursoPublished29 Aug 2014
The countdown is on and in less than 24 hours, the Eagles final 53-man roster will be complete.
Chip Kelly began trimming the roster on Friday as that final group began to take shape. Here is the latest on the Eagles final cuts.
One of the biggest pieces of news on Friday was a report that recently-acquired kicker Cody Parkey has made the roster.
Parkey made three field goals in his Eagles debut on Thursday from 54, 53 and 25 yards. The Eagles even made a last-second decision to send Parkey to kick the 53-yard field goal over Alex Henery because they wanted to see Parkey repeat what he did in the first half on his 54-yard attempt.
The news that Parkey will stay likely marks the end of Henery's Eagles career. Henery was successful during his rookie season but struggled mightily on kicks from short distances that just couldn't be overlooked.
Among the first Eagles cut was quarterback GJ Kinne. Kinne had a solid preseason but was playing as the fourth-string quarterback. He'll likely head to the practice squad if not claimed off waivers.
Running back Henry Josey was cut despite a very strong game on Thursday night. This signals two possibilities for the Eagles final running back spot: either Chris Polk is healthy enough to make the team or Kenjon Barner is going to make the team.
Offensive lineman Josh Andrews was cut as were wide receivers Ifeanyi Momah and Quron Pratt. Arrelious Benn had a strong preseason but it was announced on Friday that he will go on IR with a back injury. The Eagles are also reportedly shopping receiver Damaris Johnson, a sign that he likely won't make the team.
This almost definitely secures roster spots for Jeff Maehl and Brad Smith.
Tight end Trey Burton looked like he would be left off the roster despite a strong preseason, but instead, sources say Burton has a spot on the roster.
Following the Eagles final preseason game, it was learned that linebacker Travis Long has a torn ACL, forcing him on the IR. Emmanuel Acho was cut as well, leaving Casey Matthews to make the roster behind DeMeco Ryans, Mychal Kendricks and Najee Goode at the middle linebacker position.
Kevin Durso is a contributor for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.
