Reid likes his 53-man roster
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Reid likes his 53-man roster
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
Andy Reid said he wasn't concerned (is he ever?) about the relatively low numbers the Eagles have at certain positions following Saturday's roster cut down to 53.
The Eagles usually carry four safeties, but have just three -- Quintin Mikell and rookies Nate Allen and Kurt Coleman -- right now. Reid said that cornerback Dimitri Patterson would get repetitions at safety as an in-case-of-emergency guy.
The team also only has two tight ends with Brent Celek and Clay Harbor. Reid said that he had several other options at tight end including receivers Hank Baskett and Jason Avant, who know some of the ins and outs of the position, and rookie Riley Cooper, who is learning. The coach also said some of the tackles can handle some of the tight end's blocking duties.
Reid did not rule out another move this week, especially with can't-sit-still Howie Roseman at the general manager controls.
"You're talking about 17 moves we've made over the last few months," Reid said. "I can't sit here and tell you that we're absolutely done. We feel very comfortable with the football team that we have right now."
As for injuries, every player practiced today except for recently-acquired defensive end Antwan Barnes, who was a late arrival. Reid said that center Jamaal Jackson (knee), center/guard Mike McGlynn (back), linebacker Ernie Sims (forearm) and Patterson (groin) were able to go.
DeSean Jackson, who injured his upper back/neck area two weeks ago, practiced. The receiver recently had his wisdom teeth taken out and Reid said his mouth was still a little sore. Defensive end Trent Cole (ankle) was also a full participant.
Reid said that Jamaal Jackson is slated to start the season opener against the Packers next Sunday, barring a setback. Nick Cole took his first reps as the new starter at right guard after the Eagles traded Stacy Andrews to Seattle. New addition, Reggie Wells, who the Eagles traded for on Friday, also practiced. He's listed as Cole's backup.
"I'm going to try and bolster the offensive line as best as I can," Wells said.
As expected, guard Max Jean-Gilles re-signed with the Eagles Sunday.
The Eagles were forced to temporarily release Jean-Gilles on Saturday when they failed to complete the Stacy Andrews-to-Seattle deal by the league-mandated 6 p.m. deadline for teams to trim their rosters to 53. So the team actually was down to 52 players overnight.
But Jean-Gilles, even though he was technically a free agent and could have signed elsewhere, decided to return to the Eagles at the same salary. He said he was getting a tattoo of his initials on his forearm when his agent Drew Rosenhaus informed him of the situation.
"I was kind of shocked through the pain [from the tattoo]," Jean-Gilles said. "He called me at the same time and I was like, 'What was going on?' But it was OK."
The roster is now at the 53-man maximum.
The Eagles also signed five players, all of whom they cut a day ago, to their practice squad. They added defensive tackle Jeff Owens, wide receiver Chad Hall, center A.Q. Shipley, guard Dallas Reynolds and running back Martell Mallett. The Eagles still have three spots to fill.
Somewhat surprisingly, they did not bring back tight end Cornelius Ingram, who was also released Saturday.
I wonder if anyone picks up Ingram? The Eagles must think his knee is done. That's a real bad sign considering how many chances the Eagles give to guys with injured wheels. Sad for Ingram.- Unfortunately, I think that Jamaal Jackson and Herremans will never see week 6 before they see Injury Time Out! I should say Re-Injury for both of them, dammit. I am really hoping to be wrong, but JJ might be jeopardizing his career returning this soon.— TBear
- Wow! Andy likes his roster. What do you expect him to say, that he hates his team and his personnel evaluation has been less than stellar?— eldiablodelsol2009
- Put Jordan Norwood on the practice squad. The guy can get open and catch the ball. If Maclin and Jackson both go down, he might have the best chance of replacing what they bring.— tacklinjoe
- I'd be shocked if this team performs up to playoff level. Its not Kolb but the offensive line that concerns me as well as the overall defense....and what about the production from our running backs?— Hearts
- That is very nice, since he picked it. Guess he didnt like last years very good, as people he praised to high heaven as stars are now gone. ie Andrews, Demp and Macho Harris.— Pat c
- They better get an extra TE if they want to run the ball effectively. Oh that's right Andy doesn't think running the ball is important.— MJPD345
- Let's see how Andy likes this roster come late December.— BobbyD
- This board demonstrates how truly cynical this world is. Guess it's easier and more chic to bash somebody rather than to praise, or heck just be neutral about something none of us know anything about.— retzlaff
- Hey eldiablodelsol2009, ya, like he's going to say, "boy this team really stinks." Also, since Max has Rosenhaus as his agent, he should have been doing some sit-ups on his lawn, and asked for more money. Next Question!— watsonmr
Andy liked his WRs, his linebackers and his RBs at different times too. This year he liked his OL before they traded for Wells and traded away Stacy. No matter what, he is publicly happy about the team but I think he can see the warts.— tpizza- 12 years of being cynical (and no SB's), get ready for the next 12— keepitreal1234
- oh i was soooo worried about MJG not remaining with the birds!!!!..wink wink....— DON17
- Reid is a moron who won't be able to hide behind Donovan McNabb anymore. His offensive philosophy and play calling SUCK!!! It's time to send him packing....— Daddio
- Ingram should not be a surprise. He can't run. He hasn't played a game in over two years. His knee has be operated on twice in two years. Where's the surprise? MJG received the tattoo as compensation for being cut etc. bboybeballin, you wish and you got your wish. dpcoz, lose to Dallas three times this year and watch the turnover next year again. Sono, you still breathin? Hail to the Deadskins, do we call you Mrs. McNabb?— JACK V
