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Figuring out how Austin fits in with Eagles

Miles Austin was virtually assured a roster spot with the Eagles after he signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with $1 million guaranteed.

Eagles wide receiver Miles Austin.
Eagles wide receiver Miles Austin.Read more(Yong Kim/Staff Photographer)

Miles Austin was virtually assured a roster spot with the Eagles after he signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with $1 million guaranteed.

The team under Chip Kelly has eaten contracts before just to get rid of players it no longer wanted. But to part with one so soon after acquiring him, especially when Austin has done little to suggest he doesn't belong, would be unprecedented.

But the wide receiver hasn't stood out enough, or even been given the opportunity to stand out, to fully comprehend yet what his role on the Eagles will be this season.

He could end up starting on the outside, given his experience and the competition currently ahead of him on the depth chart (Riley Cooper, Josh Huff). Or he could be inactive on game days if he can't contribute on special teams.

More than likely, Austin's role will fall somewhere in the middle. And that's essentially where it's been during training camp.

He hasn't been getting starter's snaps, but he's been part of a rotation that is reflective of Kelly's offseason plan to add more depth to his receiving corps.

"I think he's a really skilled route runner," Kelly said Thursday. "That's the one thing that stuck out even when he was in Cleveland, whether it's press, whether it's off, I think he has a great understanding of concepts. I think he has a great understanding of techniques in terms of how to get himself in and out of breaks.

"He's unique in that way. I think he's helped a lot of our younger receivers in terms of that."

Jordan Matthews and Nelson Agholor have clearly taken to the veteran, who spent his first eight NFL seasons with the Cowboys before signing with the Browns last year.

Matthews, who is primed to become the Eagles' No. 1 target in his sophomore season, said Austin was the team's "most crafty wide receiver."

"I see him doing one-on-ones every day and guys have the hardest time covering Miles Austin more than anybody," Matthews said.

"He's our 31-year-old receiver. Think about it. That's a good asset to have when he comes into the game. He can play outside and he can play inside."

Eric Rowe has seen his share of Austin this summer. Last week, the rookie cornerback was matched up against Steve Smith during joint practices with the Ravens and he equated the 15-year veteran receiver's wily route running with Austin's subtle moves.

"It's more than like a jab step. It's kind of quick," Rowe said as he mimicked Austin's motions. "He's kind of like weaving within his route and it has me guessing, 'Is he trying to go in or out?' And then he all of a sudden breaks. . . . But if he's going straight, I can run with him."

Austin would be the first to admit that he isn't as fast as he once was. When terms like "crafty" and "wily" are being used to describe an older receiver who may have lost a step, it can come off sounding like a dubious compliment.

But Austin has been a favorite for all the quarterbacks during camp, especially on underneath crossing routes, because he has found ways to break free and is a big target (6-foot-2, 215 pounds). And he showed that craftiness when he shielded a defender on an underthrown Matt Barkley pass in the preseason opener against the Colts and made an over-the-shoulder catch for 39 yards.

If it weren't for an unusual injury that involved the laceration of his kidney, Austin would have played all 16 games for the Browns and would have put up more than respectable numbers.

He still finished the year with 47 catches for 568 yards and two touchdowns.

But the kidney injury, on top of the assortment of other health problems he has had over his career, certainly played a part in Austin remaining unsigned three weeks into free agency.

There also aren't many teams looking for reserve receivers who aren't likely to contribute on special teams.

The Eagles need two of their receivers who dress on game days to help on special teams. Last season, they dressed five of their six receivers in 15 of 16 games, and Huff and Brad Smith handled the bulk of special-teams chores.

Kelly could dress all six this season with Huff and Seyi Ajirotutu chipping in on special teams, but that would mean he would have to trim from another position. Austin said that he has practiced on special teams, but he didn't take a snap on any of the units against the Colts.

He then missed two practices late last week and didn't dress for the Ravens game. Kelly said that he decided to hold him out. Austin wouldn't elaborate. It is likely that he had some sort of soft-tissue injury.

Nevertheless, he returned this week. Asked about his chances of playing Saturday against the Packers, Austin still sounded like someone unsure of whether he was going to make the roster.

"I expect to do," he said, "whatever I'm told to do."

Whether that involves playing on special teams or not, Austin looks like a sure bet for the season.

@Jeff_McLane