Eagles linebacker Shaq Leonard chooses jersey number ahead of debut vs. Cowboys

The Eagles have a former All-Pro linebacker on the roster, adding the versatile Shaquille Leonard to the roster after he chose Philadelphia over Dallas.

Leonard is preparing to take the field for his first practice in Philadelphia, and he’ll wear the No. 50, according to the team’s official website.

Leonard will likely start opposite Zach Cunningham, and the duo should help alleviate the lack of communication witnessed in the Eagles 42-19 loss to the 49ers.

Notable players to wear the No. 50 in Philadelphia include Kiko Alonso, Garry Cobb, Guy Morriss, and Casey Matthews.

Brooks Kubena

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – OCTOBER 01: Shaquille Leonard #53 of the Indianapolis Colts looks on before a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

Shaq Leonard working through instruction on dropbacks. It’s uncertain yet how large a role, if any, he’ll have in the upcoming game against the Cowboys as he learns the new scheme. pic.twitter.com/vvaqoT4SI1

— Brooks Kubena (@BKubena) December 7, 2023

Martin Frank

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard (53) talks to game official Grantis Bell on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, before facing the New Orleans Saints at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

One more of Shaq Leonard .. and Haason Reddick in a DL drill. #Eagles pic.twitter.com/IRGqztfDzO

— Martin Frank (@Mfranknfl) December 7, 2023

Zach Berman

The Indianapolis Colts Shaquille Leonard (53) gets hyped up for practice between the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears on Wed. Aug. 16, 2023, at Grand Park in Westfield Ind.

“Does this remind you of Hakim Warrick and Kueth Duany?” the Syracuse fans on Nick Sirianni’s Jamestown group texts ask… pic.twitter.com/AYbv1Obbda

— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) December 7, 2023

Jeff McLane

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard (53) warms up Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, ahead of a game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

New #Eagles LB Shaq Leonard during individual drills: pic.twitter.com/gyfIGldKPr

— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) December 7, 2023

Chris Franklin

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard (53) gets pumped on the sideline Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Linebackers are working on doing a similar drill #Eagles pic.twitter.com/RXVZ1CbXhE

— Chris Franklin (@cfranklinnews) December 7, 2023

Dave Zangaro

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard (53) tries to chase down Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) who scores a touchdown immediately after a teammate’s fumble recovery during game action at EverBank Stadium on Sunday, Oct 15, 2023, in Jacksonville.

Some more Shaq Leonard from his first Eagles practice pic.twitter.com/DLsoaiX4x0

— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) December 7, 2023

Martin Frank

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 05: Shaquille Leonard #53 of the Indianapolis Colts looks on against the Carolina Panthers during the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Newest #Eagles LB Shaq Leonard (50) learning the defense. pic.twitter.com/FTr2VwHpsp

— Martin Frank (@Mfranknfl) December 7, 2023