Philadelphia Eagles: 3 Players fighting for a roster spot
By Drew DeLuca
These three Philadelphia Eagles are under the microscope on the roster bubble as another round of cuts approaches and with only one preseason game remaining.
With two of three preseason games in the books, the Philadelphia Eagles roster picture is slowly becoming a bit clearer. However, several notable players are on the roster bubble; we’re highlighting three to watch over the next couple of weeks.
One mild surprise from the first round of cuts was Kerryon Johnson, who reportedly impressed during training camp, but was held back by nagging injuries in recent weeks. This gave Jordan Howard a clearer path to the 53-man roster, but by no means is his roster spot secure.
He kicks off our list of players clawing to make final cuts.
3. Jordan Howard, RB
In 2019, Jordan Howard compiled 594 yards and 7 touchdowns as part of a backfield timeshare, eventually yielding lead back duties to Miles Sanders. After a disappointing season as a member of the Miami Dolphins, Howard returned to Philadelphia on a 1 year, $990,000 contract on April 7, 2021.
Howard is a tough, physical runner who gets it done in short-yardage and goal-line situations, filling a valuable niche role in today’s NFL, where committees have replaced traditional bell-cow backs in most backfields. Head coach Nick Sirianni, former offensive coordinator under Frank Reich in Indianapolis, is likely to employ such a committee, with Sanders in the lead role.
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Boston Scott, who continues to dazzle with his shiftiness and impressive contact balance, has virtually assured himself a role as a primary backup and return specialist; he’s also likely to make frequent cameos on third downs. After Scott and Sanders, things get a bit murkier.
Kenneth Gainwell similarly possesses impressive receiving skills and is likewise dangerous with the ball in space. It would be a shock to see the Eagles part ways with a player they just drafted in the fifth round just four months ago, so we expect Gainwell to carve out a place on the 53 man roster.
That leaves Howard, impressive second-year player Jason Huntley, and third-year back Elijah Holyfield. The son of Evander Holyfield, former heavyweight boxing champion, would probably win most fights, but we don’t think he makes it out of the next round of cuts in this one.
Unless the Eagles elect to keep five running backs, they’ll have to choose between Howard and Huntley, who at the moment looks to be the team’s primary kick returner. With several others on the team capable of filling that role, we like the idea of Howard claiming this spot; his experience and blocking ability give him the edge, in our estimation.