The Philadelphia Eagles made a flurry of roster moves on Friday, releasing veteran backup quarterback Andy Dalton as they gear up for their upcoming game in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Dalton’s release and roster depth
Dalton, who was acquired from the Carolina Panthers in March for a 2027 seventh‑round pick, appeared in only one game this season, throwing an interception in a 27‑7 loss to Chicago on Sept. 28. After being demoted behind Tanner McKee, the team’s primary backup, Dalton was waived. The Eagles are expected to keep him on the practice squad, according to ESPN.
McKee, 26, has appeared in six games (two starts) for Philadelphia over the past two seasons, completing 54 of 88 passes for 597 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. The team also added rookie Cole Payton, a fifth‑round pick from North Dakota State, to the backup quarterback pool.
Injury report ahead of the London clash
Philadelphia announced that star running back Saquon Barkley will miss the London game with a hamstring injury. The team also listed safety Marcus Epps (groin), center/guard Drew Kendall (knee), and wide receivers DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and Marquise Brown (ankle) as out for the contest.
Outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard (ankle) is listed as questionable. Starting quarterback Jalen Hurts, who was on the practice report this season with a calf issue, participated fully in practice and carries no injury designation for Sunday.
Additional roster moves
In addition to Dalton’s release, the Eagles signed center Jake Majors and running back Carson Steele from the practice squad to the active roster. Defensive tackle Uar Bernard was placed on the practice‑squad injured list.
The team’s running back depth has been tested. Both Barkley and Tank Bigsby were injured in a recent 24‑20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams; Bigsby was placed on injured reserve with a core injury that will require surgery. Will Shipley is expected to assume the lead‑back role, while Dameon Pierce was elevated to the 53‑man roster earlier this week.
Looking ahead
With the roster trimmed and several key players sidelined, the Eagles will rely on a mix of veteran depth and emerging talent as they travel to London for the season‑opening matchup against the Jaguars. Fans will be watching to see how McKee and the newly promoted backs perform in the absence of Barkley and other injured starters.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
