By Paul Bowman, Sports Talk Philly Staff
The Eagles made a slew of roster moves today.
The first move is the most obvious: Linebacker Nigel Bradham has been reinstated. This was a sure-fire move as Bradham was unquestionably the best linebacker on the team for much of last season. He will improve a unit that showed great play without him in the win over the Falcons. Bradham fills the 53-man roster spot vacated by Mack Hollins hitting the IR yesterday.
The other moves were a bit more of a surprise.
The Birds released Tre Sullivan to make room for Deiondre’ Hall at safety. Sullivan was on the bubble to make the roster and may well have sealed his fate when he turned the ball over on a punt against the Falcons last night. Hall, meanwhile returns from a suspension to provide depth at safety. The Eagles acquired Hall from the Chicago Bears for a conditional seventh-round pick. He has upside but has had near constant off-the-field issues as well as problems with personal fouls while on the field. He plays safety in a manner similar to Rodney McLeod and the Eagles hope that he can contribute. If he has more off the field issues, the Eagles may just release him and bring back Sullivan who, unless claimed, will more than likely head to the practice squad.
Yes, the practice squad has more openings. Two at the moment, as the Eagles released defensive tackle Winston Craig and wide receivers Rashard Davis and Greg Ward Jr.
Craig had a decent preseason, but was released in favor of adding Treyvon Hester at the same position. Hester spent 2017 with the Oakland Raiders. He appeared in 14 games making 19 tackles and forcing a fumble in his limited time on the field. He provides further depth for the Eagles defensive line as well as some NFL experience despite it being only his second season in the league.
The release of Ward and Davis is somewhat of a surprise. Releasing one leaves room for Sullivan, but releasing both leaves no receivers on the practice squad and, other than Nelson Agholor, the receiving corps was non-existent Thursday night. Expect the Eagles to look for another receiver to add to fill the vacant space.