Eagles initial 53-man roster overview: No backup center on roster as 2024 team is light on offense

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles’ initial 53-man roster is all set, including some surprising changes. There will be more changes before the opener against the Green Bay Packers in Brazil on Sept. 6, but some roster decisions made by the front office will have some short-term consequences.

Here are some observations on the initial 53-man roster and where the Eagles go from here. It’s going to be a busy few days for general manager Howie Roseman and the Eagles front office.

The decision of who would be the fourth safety was going to come down to Bradberry and McCollum. Would the Eagles stick with Bradberry and release him in favor of McCollum, who had a great summer? Or would the Eagles risk losing McCollum and take a 31-year-old who hasn’t gelled as well at safety as the team initially thought?

At the end of the day, the Eagles retained both. Bradberry’s future is still uncertain as the Eagles are still trying to find a trade partner for him, which would free up space for McCollum. The Eagles are unlikely to release Bradberry outright at this stage of the game, going with five guards as the roster gymnastics portion of the season continues.

The Eagles didn’t want to lose McCollum, which is why they’re currently down to five safeties.

No real backup center

The Eagles only had one draft pick removed – center Dylan McMahon. The Eagles drafted McMahon in the sixth round, getting him waived as a result of roster cuts. McMahon was the only natural center on the roster among the backup offensive linemen. The Eagles also removed Brett Toth, who can play center, guard and tackle.

There is no true backup center on the roster, as the Eagles decided to go with more depth with Darian Kinnard at guard and tackle. McMahon could join the practice squad if he is not claimed and becomes eligible for a call up early in the year.

Landon Dickerson has played center before and could be considered a backup center, but the offensive line needs a major overhaul. The Eagles will revisit that in the next few weeks.

light crime

The Eagles only picked 22 players on offense: three quarterbacks, three running backs, five wide receivers, two tight ends and nine offensive linemen. In the past few years they have typically played with four running backs, six wide receivers and three tight ends.

There wasn’t going to be a fourth running back this year after Saquon Barkley was added, and who the third tight end would be was a question throughout camp. The Eagles kept five receivers, but Parris Campbell could easily be added to the practice squad if he makes the practice squad.

Philadelphia is not going to go with 22 players for the opener against the Green Bay Packers. Pieces will be added at skill positions.

No third tight end

Only two tight ends were kept in Dallas Goedert and Grant Calcaterra, who assumed the No. 2 spot in camp and walked away with the job. EJ Jenkins appeared poised to make the roster as the No. 3 tight end, but a poor final week of camp and preseason games rendered him useless. Jenkins will likely join the practice squad.

The Eagles are looking for another tight end from outside the organization. Jack Stoll was released by the New York Giants on cutdown day, so perhaps there is room for a reunion. There will be a flurry of activity by the front office over the next few days.

Don’t expect to have two tight ends on the roster against the Packers.

Lack of experienced players behind the top three wideouts

Trading for Jahan Dotson did not bode well for Parris Campbell and John Ross, both of whom were competing for one of the roster spots at wide receiver. A concussion ended Ross’ chances of earning a spot, and Campbell was hurt by a groin injury in the middle of camp.

Campbell also played well the last week of practice and performed well enough in the final preseason game to earn a spot on the roster. The Eagles lack experienced players behind AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith and Dotson, where Campbell could have helped at that position. Instead, Philadelphia placed Britain Covey and Johnny Wilson on injured reserve while designating Aeneas Smith to return.

Placing Smith on injured reserve opened up a spot on the roster for Campbell, but Campbell is a veteran player and cannot be waived. Campbell could join the Eagles’ practice squad and be called up early in the season before the Eagles decide to promote him permanently.

This gives the Eagles more time.