The clock hit 6:00 PM Eastern on Sunday, August 30, and the Philadelphia Eagles finally locked in their 53-man roster. Sure, the core is set, but that final list left a few familiar faces looking for work elsewhere. The move clears the path for the next season, going beyond simply filling a spot. The Eagles made a tough call to cut ties with players who showed promise but couldn’t crack the final depth chart. It’s a brutal Tuesday morning for anyone who didn’t make the cut.
The Practice Squad Battle Is Just Starting
The real drama begins after the roster cuts are done. NFL teams have a few days to fill out their practice squads, and that’s where the real fight happens. The organization plans to spend the coming days recruiting additional players for these squads while shuffling individuals dealing with injuries. This is the window where backups become starters if the main guy goes down. The Eagles will likely keep some of their cut players on the practice squad, but not everyone will get that safety net. Who makes the final list?
Several other former Eagles saw their 2026 seasons end early due to injuries. Running back Trey Sermon landed on injured reserve with the Falcons, while cornerback Zech McPhearson suffered the same fate with the Rams. Wide receiver River Cracraft was placed on IR by the Commanders but was later released with an injury settlement. This settlement allows him to explore other options, giving him a chance to join a new team. It’s a cruel twist of fate that stops a player’s momentum just as the season is about to start.
The Eagles now face the Washington Commanders in Week 1 with a finalized roster. The team will likely make some tweaks before that game, including injured reserve placements or trades. According to Bleeding Green Nation, the focus is on predicting what the Eagles will do rather than what they should do.
The backup quarterback situation remains a question mark, with Tanner McKee and Cole Payton fighting for the spot behind Jalen Hurts. Andy Dalton is out, leaving the team with a thin depth chart. If Hurts gets hurt, the team will rely on players who didn’t have a strong camp. Stoll and Barnett are in Cleveland. Sermon, McPhearson, and Cracraft are searching for new homes. The Eagles have their 53 players, but the league is full of opportunities for those who were left behind.
