By Paul Bowman, Sports Talk Philly Staff
Earlier this week, the Eagles released both of the receivers they had on the practice squad. This was a surprise after a game in which, outside of Nelson Agholor, the receiving corps made only one catch.
Patrick Starr (yes, really) of the SportsTalk 790 in Houston and the host of the “State of the Texans” podcast reported earlier today that wideout Braxton Miller, who the Texans drafted in the third round of 2016 and was released last week, intends to sign with the Eagles practice squad.
Source: #Cardinals opted to pass on Braxton Miller. He is headed to the #Eagles today to take a physical to sign with their practice squad.
— patrick (@PatDStat) September 8, 2018
Miller was a quarterback at Ohio State before converting to wide receiver. Over his first two years in the league, Miller appeared in 21 games. He caught 34 passes for 261 yards on 57 targets.
Miller is not available due to poor pass catching ability, however.
My understanding is that it was not Braxton Miller’s receiving skills that got him to this point. The lack of help on special teams is what caused him to be cut. #Texans
— patrick (@PatDStat) August 31, 2018
While not contributing on special teams is a big issue for the Eagles and coordinator Dave Fipp, the team is already carrying Markus Wheaton, who is by no means a special teams ace. The Birds may view Miller as a better option than Wheaton who also has a higher upside. They may be adding him to the practice squad with the hope that he learns the offense quickly and can replace Wheaton on the 53-man. If that would occur, the Eagles likely bring back Greg Ward Jr or Rashard Davis to the practice squad provided either is still available.