Richard Rodgers is Next Man Up for Eagles at Tight End
The Eagles have injuries all over the field.
They entered the year down two starting offensive lineman, and played their opening week game with Lane Johnson out.
Alshon Jeffery hasn't played yet this season, Marquise Goodwin opted-out, DeSean Jackson hasn't made much of an impact and now Jalen Reagor is out for multiple weeks.
Over at tight end Dallas Goedert will miss multiple weeks now with a fractured ankle, leaving Carson Wentz without one of his favorite targets in the passing game. Goedert's 18 targets ranks fourth on the team, and thats with him missing three quarters in the game on Sunday. His 13 catches ranks third and his 138 yards is tops on the team. Heis also the only pass-catcher to catch a touchdown pass this season, so replacing him will not be easy.
First up on that list appears to be veteran Richard Rodgers.
The former Packer has been serving as the teams third tight end, but might have an expanded role now in the Eagles 12 personnel package that they like to run.
"Now being elevated, I think he gives you a little more thump at the line of scrimmage in blocking situations," Eagles head coach Doug Pederson explained on Wednesday. "He's a good short to intermediate route runner. He's smart. He understands the defense. He has really strong hands to catch the football. I'm excited for this opportunity for him to get in there and for him and [TE] Zach [Ertz] to work together."
The 18-year old caught two balls for 15 yards last week once Goedert left the game, but will be counted on more in the passing game with Goedert out.
"I have a lot of confidence in Rich," Pederson said. "This guy's a veteran player. He's smart. He's played a lot of football, whether it was in Green Bay or with us and places he's been. I think he's a good fit. He was a great number three for us with what we wanted to do and get done."
Rodgers had a big season in Green Bay in 2015, catching 58 passes for 510 yards and eight touchdowns for the Packers. In 74 career games he has 123 catches for 1188 yards and 13 scores.
In his three years with the Eagles he has served primarily as a blocking tight end, and has just three catches for 22 yards.
The team also signed tight ends Jason Croom to practice squad and added Hakeem Butler to active roster off the Carolina Panthers practice squad.