The Zach Ertz trade has several implications for the Eagles moving forward. Howie Roseman discussed the tight end position and the incoming young CB after the Eagles sent Zach Ertz to Arizona.
The Eagles on Saturday elevated safety Elijah Riley and tight end Richard Rodgers from the practice squad for their game Sunday against the Raiders in Las Vegas.
Riley hasn’t played this year but played in five games for the Eagles last year, getting 65 snaps on special teams but just four on defense. He’s been on the practice squad all year.
On Friday, the Eagles listed starting safety Anthony Harris as questionable for Sunday with injuries to both hands. Harris practiced Thursday this past week but did not practice Wednesday or Friday.
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The only other safeties on the 53-man roster are starter Rodney McLeod, who’s been back for three weeks following December knee surgery, and Marcus Epps. Avonte Maddox can also play safety in a pinch.
With Zach Ertz now in Arizona, Rodgers gives the Eagles a second experienced tight end behind Dallas Goedert. Rodgers has 145 career receptions for 1,518 yards and 15 touchdowns. He was 24-for-345 with two TDs last year, mostly while Ertz missed five games with an ankle injury.
Ironically, Rodgers was available to return to the Eagles when he was released from the Cards’ practice squad last week. This is Rodgers' third stint with the Eagles.
The only other tight end on the Eagles’ roster is undrafted rookie Jack Stoll, who has played in all six games this year but doesn’t have a catch. Tyree Jackson returned to practice last week but remains on Injured Reserve with a return designation, and Noah Togiai is on the practice squad. Jason Croom is also on IR.
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