By Paul Bowman, Sports Talk Philly Editor
On Monday, the Eagles officially placed Cre’Von LeBlanc on injured reserve. It was a move that opened up a spot on the 53-man roster and that spot remained vacant for nearly five days.
Mike Kaye of NJ.com is now reporting that the Eagles will be signing Alex Ellis from their practice squad to the 53-man roster.
The #Eagles are signing TE Alex Ellis to the 53-man roster, per league source.
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) September 6, 2019
Ellis impressed in the preseason despite signing with the team midway through camp. It was signing that was seen by many, including myself, as an odd move because the team cut a player from arguably it’s weakest position and signed a player at one of their deepest positions.
Rather than expose one of their young defensive ends to waivers and risk losing them, which was highly likely, the team opted to go deep at the position and keep just two tight ends.
Both Ellis and Perkins were signed to the practice squad and it would seem that the team probably played a close eye to both Ellis and Perkins this week in deciding which one to call up to the 53-roster.
Ellis can provide help in the passing game, but will likely see time as a blocking tight end and/or special teamer if he isn’t inactive for game-day.
The team had previously said that Andre Dillard could serve as a blocking tight end, but with the recent injuries of Jason Peters, they’d be rolling the dice on whether or not Dillard is available to do that or playing left tackle at that time.
Ellis will be suited up for the week one match-up with the Redskins.
The move will leave an open spot available on the Eagles practice squad.