Eagles Re-Work Fletcher Cox’s Deal

PHILADELPHIA (973espn.com) - Howie Roseman just created a bunch of salary-cap room but it was not with the intent of making a run at disgruntled Pittsburgh running back Le’Veon Bell, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Eagles restructured the contract of Pro-Bowl DT Fletcher Cox on Friday, creating $6.5 million of cap space this season and $11.7 million on the 2019 cap, per the report.

"It's 100 percent misleading to think Cox's restructuring was done with Le'Veon Bell in mind," a league source with knowledge of the Eagles' plans told ESPN.

Things have changed over 48 hours, however, because Jay Ajayi suffered a torn ACL in Sunday's loss to Minnesota. The original thought process was adding more space to re-sign current players over the next two seasons, a list which will include quarterback Carson Wentz.

For now, with Ajayi gone for the season, the Eagles need Darren Sproles and Corey Clement back in action sooner rather than later and the latter was active against the Vikings but did not play. Wendell Smallwood and rookie Josh Adams are also available for Doug Pederson.

Ajayi's spot on the 53-man roster was taken by defensive tackle T.Y. McGill, who was picked up on waivers from the Los Angeles Chargers.

On a short week, the Eagles participated in a walkthrough practice Monday and while the injury report is just an estimation in such circumstances Clement was listed as a full participant. Sproles, however, was listed as out.

Others listed as out were defensive end Derek Barnett (shoulder), linebacker Nathan Gerry (ankle, knee), safety Corey Graham (hamstring) and nose tackle Haloti Ngata (calf), while linebacker D.J. Alexander (quadricep), right tackle Lane Johnson (ankle), cornerback  Sidney Jones (ankle) and left tackle Jason Peters (quadricep) were estimated as limited.

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