Eagles Cuts Begin with Myke Tavarres

PHILADELPHIA (973espn.com) - The slow march to 53 began late Friday night when rookie linebacker Myke Tavarres was informed that would be released by the Eagles.

The undrafted rookie’s agent, Corey Williams, confirmed the news to USA Today’s Turron Davenport.

Tavarres, an athletic project who once attended Arkansas but ended his college career at tiny Incarnate Word in San Antonio, made headlines last week when he told ESPN’s Tim McManus that he planned to support Colin Kaepernick’s protest by sitting down for the national anthem prior to the Eagles' preseason finale against the Jets.

He later reversed course after being advised to do so by Williams.

Tavarres, who got a very hefty signing bonus for an UDFA of $90,000, could be brought back to the team’s practice squad on Sunday if he clears waivers.

Currently, the Eagles depth chart at linebacker includes starters Jordan Hicks, Nigel Bradham and Mychal Kendricks, as well as veteran reserves Stephen Tulloch and Najee Goode. Fighting for the final spot are UDFAs Quentin Gause of Rutgers and Don Cherry, a Villanova product.

The Eagles have until 4 p.m. ET Saturday to reduce the roster to 53 players.

-John McMullen covers the Eagles and the NFL for 973espn.com. You can reach him at jmcmullen44@gmail.com or on Twitter @JFMcMullen