The Eagles announced roster moves on Thursday, and it was the move the team didn’t make that could have the most significant impact.
Philadelphia promoted punter Braden Mann to the active roster and signed former Penn State linebacker Brandon Smith to the practice squad.
We've promoted P Braden Mann to the active roster and signed LB Brandon Smith to the Practice Squad. pic.twitter.com/0eawrsdfFx
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 12, 2023
Mann spent three seasons with the Jets before a preseason stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The veteran punter signed to Philadelphia’s practice squad on September 18.
Punter Braden Mann
After spending the last three weeks as a practice squad elevation on gamedays, Mann has been signed to the 53-man roster.
In three games with the Eagles, Mann has punted five times for 208 yards at an average of 41.6 yards per punt. His longest punt of the season came in the Week 4 victory over the Washington Commanders, a 48 yarder. He only punted once in last Sunday’s win over the Los Angeles Rams, pinning the home team inside the 20-yard line.
LB Brandon Smith
Smith, a Penn State product, was a 4th-rd pick last year by the Panthers. He ran a 4.52 40 at 6-3 and 250 pounds.
In his rookie season, Smith appeared in 12 games, primarily playing on special teams. He finished the year with eight tackles after suffering a season-ending ankle injury.
Nakobe Dean impact
The Eagles had an open spot on the 53-man roster and the assumption was that it would go to Dean, who just had his 21-day practice window opened on Wednesday.
Mann’s promotion now eliminates that roster spot.
Whenever Dean is taken off injured reserve and cleared for game action, Philadelphia will need to make a roster cut or place someone on injured reserve.
