Eagles Make 5 Roster Moves, Place Starting CB on IR

It might be Christmas all over the world but football never sleeps. At the top of the Eagles’ wish list? Another receiver and tight end.

Well, Santa Claus arrived early. The Philadelphia Eagles made five total roster moves on Tuesday (otherwise known as Christmas Eve) as they look to improve their roster for a possible playoff run. Adding more pass-catchers remains a top priority for the team.

The first move was previously reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter and involved releasing veteran running back Jay Ajayi and adding Pro-Bowler Jordan Howard. The former Bear returns after an almost two-month absence from a shoulder injury. Howard has 525 yards on 119 carries.

In a corresponding move, the Eagles promoted Deontay Burnett from the practice squad to the active roster. The talented wide receiver might see snaps on Sunday versus New York. The USC product was first signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent.

Burnett spent last season with the Jets where he hauled in 10 passes for 143 yards in five games before moving on to San Francisco. The 49ers cut him from their practice squad on Dec. 10. Maybe the Eagles are looking for intel.

The 22-year-old projected as an ideal slot receiver coming out of college, thanks to his great hands and 5-foot-11 frame. He didn’t fare well in the 40-yard dash, with a 4.7 time at his pro day. Burnett had been dealing with an undisclosed injury at the time, virtually his entire junior year.

They also added depth at the tight-end spot by bringing back Richard Rodgers. The former Packer was released after training camp and given an injury settlement after breaking his foot.

Rodgers has bounced back from the ailment and should provide veteran experience in case Zach Ertz’s fractured rib turns out more serious than first anticipated. The Pro Bowler left last week’s game after taking a vicious hit, then returned and played with the injury.

“It just shows his toughness and willingness to get back out there, but as you guys know, we take every injury seriously and make sure that we protect our players,” head coach Doug Pederson said of Ertz. “That is what Mondays are for, to do a full evaluation of all our guys who get nicked up in games.”

Eagles Place Ronald Darby on IR to End Cornerback’s Season

Perhaps the biggest move of the day — some might say shocking — was placing Ronald Darby on injured reserve. The struggling cornerback had been dealing with a bad hip flexor and aggravated it during last week’s win over Dallas. Darby was replaced (and outplayed) by Rasul Douglas.

On Monday, Doug Pederson revealed Darby was suffering from a “serious” injury and may miss “significant” time. Darby’s season is now done. Douglas will take over his starting corner spot, with Sidney Jones possibly mixing in.

“Darby is the one that’s going to probably — he’s a little more significant and probably going to miss some time,” Pederson said. “Darby’s is a little bit more serious and his will — he’s probably going to miss some time.”

Not to be outdone, Philadelphia rounded out a busy day by filling out its practice squad. The Eagles signed former Broncos wide receiver River Cracraft.

The 6-foot return specialist appeared in nine games for Denver over the past two seasons and returned 12 punts for 40 yards. He also caught one pass for 44 yards.

Cracraft was an undrafted free agent out of Washington State. He entered his junior season in 2015 on the Fred Biletnikoff Award watchlist for the nation’s best receiver.

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