Eagles Sign Two Offensive Linemen To Practice Squad

Matt Rotheram. (USA TODAY Sports)

The Eagles announced two additions to their practice squad on Friday afternoon.

Philadelphia signed free agent offensive linemen Darrell Greene and Matt Rotheram while releasing cornerback JaCorey Shepherd and linebacker Don Cherry.

Cherry was released for the first time since signing to the Eagles’ practice squad in September. The Villanova alumnus made a good enough impression to stick on the scout team despite only joining Philadelphia’s roster shortly before 2016 training camp.

Greene has bounced on and off the Eagles ever since he originally signed to the practice squad in September. The Birds most recently cut Greene four days ago on Monday, Oct. 3 in order to replace him with Shepherd, who is now gone again. Shepherd called this constant swap process “crazy” earlier this week.

Following the 2016 NFL Draft, Philadelphia gave Greene the most guaranteed money of any undrafted rookie free agent in the league. The team might like his long-term potential.

Rotheram is a completely new addition to the Eagles. The 24-year-old guard measures in at 6-5, 325 pounds. He spent the entire 2015 season on the Packers’ practice squad. Late last year, Green Bay raised Rotheram’s salary so he was making as much as the rookie minimum of a rostered player. This likely means another team tried to steal him away from the Packers.

Rotheram is one of three offensive linemen the Eagles worked out earlier this week. One could surmise Philadelphia’s sudden interest in blockers could be related to the Lane Johnson situation. The Eagles’ starting right tackle had an appeal hearing on Tuesday. He’s set to start against the Lions this week but the final ruling on his potential 10-game suspension is expected to be delivered soon. It’s possible the Eagles could be loading up on offensive line depth in order to brace for losing Johnson for most of the season.

Here’s an updated look at Philadelphia’s 10-man practice squad.

FB Andrew Bonnet
OG Darrell Greene
RB Byron Marshall
QB Aaron Murray
C Aaron Neary
OG Matt Rotheram
DT Aziz Shittu
CB C.J. Smith
WR Paul Turner
WR David Watford