Eagles Shake Up Roster: 18 Moves Set Stage for Season Opener vs. Cowboys

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When the Philadelphia Eagles say they’re gearing up for a big season, they mean business. On Wednesday, the team made a flurry of moves—18 to be exact—that show just how seriously they’re taking their preparation for the massive season opener against the Dallas Cowboys. It wasn’t just one or two tweaks; this was a full-scale roster shake-up meant to lock in depth, versatility, and balance heading into one of the biggest rivalry matchups in football.

A Quick Snapshot of the Action

The Eagles’ front office wasn’t wasting time. Out of the 18 total moves, 14 players found themselves added to the practice squad, two were waived, one was signed directly to the active roster, and another was claimed off waivers. This wasn’t just routine cleanup—it’s a carefully calculated setup for the season ahead.

And here’s the exciting part: for die-hard Eagles fans, these moves aren’t just names on paper. Each decision brings a ripple effect that could impact both the present and future of the franchise.


The Active Roster Boost

Let’s start with the active roster. The Eagles officially signed long snapper Charley Hughlett, a name that might not always grab headlines but plays a critical role in every special teams unit. Long snappers rarely get the spotlight, but if something goes wrong on a field goal or punt, everyone notices. Hughlett’s experience adds a layer of reliability the Eagles will need in those tense, close games where a single snap can decide the outcome.


Waiver Wire Pick-Up: A New Face for the O-Line

The team also dipped into the waiver pool and came away with guard/center Willie Lampkin. Offensive line depth has been a core philosophy in Philadelphia for years, and grabbing a versatile interior lineman like Lampkin is a strategic move. Injuries happen, especially in the trenches, and having a player who can shift between guard and center is like having insurance on two positions at once.

For a team that prides itself on dominating the line of scrimmage, adding Lampkin sends a clear message: the Eagles aren’t leaving anything to chance.


Practice Squad Flooded with Talent

Now, here’s where things get really interesting. Fourteen new players were signed to the practice squad, and while that might sound like just a developmental move, the truth is the practice squad has become a major part of roster building in today’s NFL. With injuries, depth concerns, and new practice squad elevation rules, these players could easily find themselves suiting up on Sundays this season.

Let’s break down the names:

  • LB Chance Campbell – A linebacker with raw tools, Campbell adds some depth at a position where the Eagles continue to look for playmakers.

  • WR Elijah Cooks – A tall, athletic wideout who could become a red-zone weapon if developed properly.

  • G Kenyon Green – A former first-rounder looking to bounce back and rebuild his career. This could be a sneaky-good signing if the Eagles unlock his potential.

  • TE E.J. Jenkins – A big-bodied tight end who brings size and athleticism to the mix.

  • CB Brandon Johnson – Adds more competition in a secondary that’s still sorting out its depth chart.

  • OLB Patrick Johnson – Familiar name for fans, sticking around to provide some rotational depth on the edge.

  • TE Cameron Latu – Young, promising tight end who can learn behind established veterans.

  • WR Terrace Marshall – Former Panthers wideout with real upside. If he finds his rhythm, Marshall could be a steal.

  • QB Kyle McCord – One of the most intriguing names here. Having a young quarterback to develop on the practice squad is a long-term chess move.

  • CB Parry Nickerson – A depth corner with NFL experience who could be called upon in a pinch.

  • T Hollin Pierce – Offensive tackle depth never hurts, especially in a system that demands protection for its mobile quarterback.

  • OLB Antwaun Powell-Ryland – Another developmental edge rusher, a position the Eagles love to keep stocked.

  • CB Eli Ricks – Familiar face, staying in the system to continue developing.

  • S Andre Sam – Safety depth is always valuable, especially as the secondary continues to evolve.

That’s not just a group of camp bodies—it’s a mix of veterans, bounce-back candidates, and developmental players who could play a part in 2025 and beyond.


The Tough Cuts

Of course, adding new faces means saying goodbye to a couple of others. The Eagles waived safety Tristin McCollum and guard/center Trevor Keegan. These decisions are never easy, but with roster limits, every spot counts. Both players had shown flashes, but Philadelphia clearly felt more confident in the fresh talent they were bringing in.


Why This All Matters

So, why does all of this roster shuffling matter so much? Because opening the season against the Dallas Cowboys isn’t just another Week 1 matchup—it’s a statement game. The Eagles are setting the tone early, and every roster decision is designed to ensure they have the best possible depth, flexibility, and balance heading into that showdown.

  • A reliable long snapper like Hughlett? That’s about minimizing mistakes.

  • A versatile lineman like Lampkin? That’s about making sure the trenches remain strong no matter what.

  • Fourteen practice squad signings? That’s about building a pipeline of talent ready to step up whenever called.

This isn’t just roster management—it’s roster strategy.


A Few Storylines to Watch

Fans will definitely want to keep an eye on a few of these practice squad names. Terrace Marshall, for instance, was once a highly touted receiver who never quite found his stride in Carolina. Could a fresh start in Philadelphia unlock his potential?

And then there’s Kyle McCord. Developing a young quarterback in the background while Jalen Hurts leads the charge is exactly the kind of forward-thinking move that can pay dividends years down the road.

Even Kenyon Green’s addition stands out. Once considered a can’t-miss prospect, he now gets a chance to refine his game with one of the best offensive line coaching staffs in the league. That could be one of the Eagles’ sneakiest signings of the offseason.


Setting the Stage for a Big Year

At the end of the day, roster moves in late August are about more than filling spots. They’re about creating the right blend of proven veterans, upside players, and insurance policies to withstand the grind of a long NFL season.

The Eagles’ 18 moves on Wednesday show a team that’s not just preparing for Week 1 but for the battles to come in November, December, and hopefully deep into January. For fans, it means this roster is as carefully constructed as ever, with an eye not just on the now but also on the future.

And with the Dallas Cowboys waiting in the wings for that opener, every single move feels amplified. This isn’t just preparation—it’s Philadelphia setting the stage for another season where the expectations are sky high.


Key Takeaways for Eagles Fans:

  • 18 roster moves in one day show how serious the team is.

  • Long snapper Charley Hughlett joins the active roster.

  • Willie Lampkin claimed off waivers for offensive line depth.

  • Fourteen practice squad additions bring a mix of experience and potential.

  • Two players were waived: Tristin McCollum and Trevor Keegan.

  • All of this sets up the Eagles for a monster season opener against Dallas.