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USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Glenn Erby

Eagles 53-man roster vs. Chiefs: News and notes for Week 11

The Eagles (8-1) are back to business after a much-needed bye, and the team has started early preparation for a six-game gauntlet that will shape the NFC playoff picture.

Philadelphia is getting healthier, and GM Howie Roseman will look for his investment in elite talent to pay off fully.

First up after the bye is a mini-Super Bowl rematch against the 7-2 Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.

With Kickoff a little over 34 hours away, we’re looking at the Eagles’ updated 53-man roster after a slew of roster moves.

#0 D'Andre Swift, RB

(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Rejuvenated after his trade to the Eagles, Swift has logged a 135 carries, for 614 yards, three touchdowns, and a 4.5 yards per carry clip.

Over the past month, Swift is averaging just 3.1 yards per carry and scoring just one rushing touchdown.

Philadelphia has been dominant in the running game down the stretch the past two seasons and it’ll be on Swift to log his first 1,000-yard season, while also giving the Birds a physical presence in the postseasn.

#1 QB Jalen Hurts

Nov 5, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) passes the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Since Week 7, the quarterback has a 75.0 completion percentage, an average of 8.8 yards per attempt, an 8-to-1 passing touchdowns-to-interceptions ratio, and a 125.5 passer rating.

Hurts has an opportunity to win the NFL MVP award, and that’ll likely put Philadelphia back in the Super Bowl.

#2 CB Darius Slay

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

According to PFF, Slay and Bradberry rank 43rd and 82nd in defensive passer rating among 97 corners who’ve played at least 200 snaps. Among NFL safeties who have played 200 snaps, Blankenship ranks 41st, but Byard is 78th (including his time with the Titans).

Through nine games, opposing quarterbacks have a 99.4 passer rating when facing the Eagles, the fourth-highest in the league and fourth-highest vs. the Eagles all-time through nine games.

The Eagles are just the eighth team in NFL history to allow 2,300 passing yards and 19 touchdown passes, have just four interceptions after nine games, and are the first to win more than five games.

The two cornerbacks are All-Pros, and they paid well to perform as such.

The pass rush has been elite, but this Eagles defense will go as Slay and Bradberry go.

#3 Nolan Smith, LB

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

The rookie from Georgia will see his snaps increase down the stretch.

#4 Jake Elliott, K

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

#6 WR Devonta Smith

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 05: DeVonta Smith #6 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after a touchdown with Olamide Zaccheaus #13 during the third quarter in the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on November 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Smith is on pace for another 1,000-yard season, and he’ll pair with A.J. Brown to form the NFL’s top receiving duo.

#7 LB Haason Reddick

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 05: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys is rushed by Haason Reddick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field on November 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Reddick has taken off after having the cast removed from his thumb, and he’s on the way towards another 10+ sack season, his fifth straight.

#8 Marcus Mariota, QB

(Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

#10 Braden Mann

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

#11 WR A.J. Brown

Nov 5, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) scores a touchdown against Dallas Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore (21) during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Brown reached 1,000-yards in a season quicker than any pass catcher in Eagles franchise history, and his 1,005 yards are second in the NFL to Tyreek Hill, who’s logged 1,076 yards.

#13 WR Olamide Zaccheaus

(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Zaccheaus could see a bigger role on offense with Dallas Goedert out.

#14 RB Kenneth Gainwell

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 05: Kenneth Gainwell #14 of the Philadelphia Eagles dives for a touchdown during the first quarter in the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on November 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

#18 WR Britain Covey

Oct 22, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Britain Covey (18) runs onto the field for warmups against the Miami Dolphins at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

#19 QB Tanner McKee

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

#21 DB Sydney Brown

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 05: CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys catches a pass while defended by Sydney Brown #21 and Reed Blankenship #32 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

#22 CB Kelee Ringo

Kelee Ringo: Photo credit: Kiel Legerre

#23 RB Rashaad Penny

(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

#24 CB James Bradberry

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

According to PFF, Slay and Bradberry rank 43rd and 82nd in defensive passer rating among 97 corners who’ve played at least 200 snaps. Among NFL safeties who have played 200 snaps, Blankenship ranks 41st, but Byard is 78th (including his time with the Titans).

Through nine games, opposing quarterbacks have a 99.4 passer rating when facing the Eagles, the fourth-highest in the league and fourth-highest vs. the Eagles all-time through nine games.

The Eagles are just the eighth team in NFL history to allow 2,300 passing yards and 19 touchdown passes, have just four interceptions after nine games, and are the first to win more than five games.

The two cornerbacks are All-Pros, and they paid well to perform as such.

The pass rush has been elite, but this Eagles defense will go as Slay and Bradberry go.

#28 CB Josh Jobe

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

#31 DB Kevin Byard

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 05: Kevin Byard #31 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after a tackle during the first half in the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on November 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Byard has had success against Kelce, and the Chiefs were 1-4 against Tennessee when the safety was a Titan before the Eagles acquired him in a trade a few weeks ago.

He’s been slow to adapt to Sean Desai’s scheme, but the veteran safety must be more efficient and decisive in coverage.

#32 DB Reed Blankenship

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 05: CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys catches a pass while defended by Sydney Brown #21 and Reed Blankenship #32 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

#33 CB Bradley Roby

Bradley Roby –Kiel Leggere

Roby only played 55 snaps against the Rams and Jets before going on IR, but he was stout in coverage, and the Eagles’ pass defense was among the NFL’s best over that period.

He’s not Avonte Maddox, but he takes the pressure off Eli Ricks and Sydney Brown while stabilizing the secondary.

#34 DB Josiah Scott

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

#35 RB Boston Scott

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Scott returns to the lineup after missing the Week 9 win over Dallas due to personal reasons.

#39 CB Eli Ricks

Nov 5, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) makes a catch past Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Eli Ricks (39) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Ricks was overwhelmed in his matchup with CeeDee Lamb, and will see his snaps lighten with the return of Bradley Roby.

#41 LB Nicholas Morrow

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

With Nakobe Dean on injured reserve, Morrow will maintain his starting linebacker spot alongside Zach Cunningham.

#45 LS Rick Lovato

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

#48 LB Patrick Johnson

Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

#51 OL Cam Jurgens

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Jurgens has missed the last five games after suffering an ankle injury in the Week 4 win over Washington.

The Eagles were among the league leaders in rushing with Jurgens in the lineup and his return gives Philadelphia their best lineup up front.

#52 LB Zach Cunningham

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 05: Zach Cunningham #52 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts over Jake Ferguson #87 of the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

According to Pro Football Focus, Nicholas Morrow and Zach Cunningham are ranked 12th and 17th among 78 linebackers who’ve played at least 100 coverage snaps. The Eagles’ defensive line has been stout against the run, but it’ll Cunningham and his sideline-to-sideline abilities that help this team improve against the pass.

#53 LB Christian Elliss

(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

#55 DE Brandon Graham

Nov 5, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (55) reacts after a sack during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

#56 Tyler Steen

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

#62 OL Jason Kelce

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

A media star and podcast sensation, Jason Kelce could be coming out of his final bye week as the Eagles legend will start to again contemplate potential retirement.

#63 OL Jack Driscoll

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

#65 OL Lane Johnson

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

#68 OL Jordan Mailata

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

#69 OL Landon Dickerson

(Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

#72 OL Moro Ojomo

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

#74 OL Fred Johnson

(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

#78 OL Sua Opeta

(AP Photo/Rich Schultz)

#80 WR Julio Jones

LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 29: Julio Jones #80 of the Philadelphia Eagles scores a touchdown over Danny Johnson #36 of the Washington Commanders in the fourth quarter at FedExField on October 29, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

With Dallas Goedert out with an injury, Jones could see an increased role in the red zone and crucial pass downs.

#81 TE Grant Calcaterra

(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Calcaterra could certainly see his role increase with Goedert’s injury.

#85 TE Albert Okwuegbunam

Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, the Eagles played without Goedert for five games while he recovered from a shoulder injury, and the offensive personnel was tweaked to keep explosive plays and consistency.

Jack Stoll is the No. 2 tight end and likely starter, but fourth-year veteran Albert Okwuegbunam could be the guy who keeps the offense consistent and efficient.

Okwuegbunam had 7 catches for 109 yards and a touchdown in the Broncos final preseason game.

A 2020 4th-round pick, he’s logged 54 catches for 546 yards and 4 scores in 3 seasons.

#88 TE Dallas Goedert

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 05: Dallas Goedert #88 of the Philadelphia Eagles is tackled by Damone Clark #33 of the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

The Eagles didn’t put Goedert on injured reserve, so he could return ahead of the four week diagnosis for his fractured forearm.

#89 TE Jack Stoll

Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Stoll could see his production increase as the starter with Goedert ruled out.

#90 DT Jordan Davis

(Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

#91 DT Fletcher Cox

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 05: Fletcher Cox #91 of the Philadelphia Eagles sacks Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Cox will look to be dominant down the stretch in what could be his final ride with the Eagles.

#93 DT Milton Williams

Oct 29, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) throws a touchdown pass as Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams (93) defends during the first quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

#94 DE Josh Sweat

Nov 5, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (55) and Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Josh Sweat (94) sack Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The defense ranks third in the NFL with 154 quarterback pressures and Josh Sweat’s 50 pressures are fourth in the NFL this season.

Sweat has 6.5 sacks this season and through nine games, his 23 4th quarter pressures are seven more than Jadeveon Clowney in Baltimore.

#95 DT Marlon Tuipulotu

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

#96 DE Derek Barnett

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Derek Barnett (96) defends against the New York Giants during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

#98 DE Jalen Carter

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 05: Jalen Carter #98 of the Philadelphia Eagles rushes the passer against Zack Martin #70 of the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Carter has appeared in eight games for the Eagles. He ranks third on the team with four sacks and fourth with seven quarterback hits.

Carter (90.6) is the second highest graded defensive tackle in the NFL, 4th in pass rush grade (87.9), and he’ll need to be a difference maker down the stretch.

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