Eagles release ILB Jason Phillips

The Eagles released inside linebacker Jason Phillips on Tuesday, marking the first roster move of training camp. Phillips, 28, missed all of last season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

He was signed to a two-year, $1.46 million contract at the start of free agency in March 2013 with the expectation that he would provide a boost to special teams. His injury in last year's training camp wiped out his first season, and Phillips has not been able to make a dent in the rotation this summer.

The Eagles gave him 34 defensive snaps and 20 special teams snaps in last week's game, which apparently showed them enough.

The move allows the Eagles to take a closer look at Casey Matthews and Emmanuel Acho at inside linebacker. They can also look at Travis Long or Josh Kaddu at that spot, as both outside linebackers can play inside, too.

The Eagles will keep DeMeco Ryans, Mychal Kendricks, and Najee Goode at inside linebacker on the 53-man roster. They could keep four, keep an extra outside linebacker, or sign someone off the waiver wire after final cuts.

The roster must be trimmed to 75 players by Aug. 26 and to 53 players by Aug. 31.

zberman@phillynews.com
@ZBerm