Eagles elevate running back, linebacker, downgrade cornerback for Commanders clash
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The Eagles made a handful of roster adjustments on Friday in preparation for their Sunday Night Football showdown with the Washington Commanders. Philadelphia promoted running back Elijah Mitchell and linebacker Mason Reiger from the practice squad, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. A few minutes later, the team moved cornerback Jakorian Bennett to the out list, as reported by Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Bennett had been nursing a knee injury earlier in the week but had been fully involved in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. His downgrade leaves the secondary even thinner, as fellow cornerback Jonathan Jones is already sidelined with a hamstring issue. With two corners out, the Eagles will be relying on the remaining defensive backs to fill the gap.
Mitchell’s promotion provides depth in the backfield. Saquon Barkley is expected to return after missing time with hamstring and back injuries, but the Eagles appear to want an extra option should Barkley be limited in the game. Mitchell, who rejoined the practice squad on October 20 after the team waived running backs Jaydon Blue and Carson Steele, had 1,523 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in 27 games with the San Francisco 49ers before brief stints with the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots.
Reiger, an undrafted rookie from Wisconsin who was signed to the practice squad in August after being released by the Miami Dolphins, adds another body at linebacker. The move comes as Jihaad Campbell is out with hamstring and quad injuries.
The roster changes come at a time when the Eagles are dealing with a string of injuries across the roster, including wide receivers DeVonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks and Britain Covey, and quarterback Jalen Hurts, who remains sidelined with blood clots. The team looks to snap a five‑game losing streak and complete a season sweep of Washington at Northwest Stadium.
Source: Eagles elevate running back, linebacker, downgrade cornerback for Commanders clash
