Philadelphia Eagles’ initial 53-man roster for 2023 NFL season – NBC Sports

The Eagles have their initial 53-man roster for the 2023 season.

After weeks of training camp, three joint practices and three preseason games, the Eagles trimmed their 90-man roster to 53 players by Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline.

This is just an initial 53-man roster. There will be more changes to come. Remember, the Eagles claimed three players last year and had to shuffle the deck a bit.

But this is a starting point. Here’s the initial 53-man roster:

Quarterback: (3) Jalen Hurts, Marcus Mariota, Tanner McKee

The Eagles waived incumbent third-stringer Ian Book in favor of sixth-round pick McKee, who had an excellent preseason. While Mariota struggled this summer, McKee was a pleasant surprise and there might be some hope he can grow into that backup role for the 2024 season.

Running back: (4) Kenny Gainwell, D’Andre Swift, Rashaad Penny, Boston Scott

Miles Sanders left in free agency this offseason so the Eagles have a new-look running back room. Gainwell is the top returner but is also joined by Scott, Swift and Penny. They will use some sort of running back by committee approach. While fans were excited to see Trey Sermon this preseason, he didn’t do enough to make the roster. There’s a good chance we see Sermon on the practice squad if he clears waivers.

Receiver: (4) A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Quez Watkins, Olamide Zaccheaus

The Eagles waived their top punt returner Britain Covey, who dealt with a hamstring injury during training camp. Covey didn’t make the initial roster in 2022 either but still ended up as their punt returner on the practice squad. They also waived Devon Allen and Joseph Ngata and cut Greg Ward Jr., leaving them with just four receivers on their initial 53-man roster. It’s important to note this is just the initial 53.

Tight end: (4) Dallas Goedert, Jack Stoll, Grant Calcaterra, Albert Okwuegbunam

Just when it looked like the Eagles were running back the trio of tight ends from the 2022 season, they made a trade. The Eagles traded for Okwuegbunam, who was expected to be waived by the Broncos. They reportedly traded away a 2025 sixth-round pick and got a seventh back in the deal with Denver. Goedert is already one of the best tight ends in the NFL and the Eagles seemed comfortable with Stoll and Calcaterra behind him. Stoll is more known for his blocking ability and Calcaterra for his catching ability, but both have taken strides in the area that’s lacking. 

The Eagles cut veteran Dan Arnold and waived Tyree Jackson and Brady Russell this week. One or two of those guys could be back on the practice squad.

Offensive line: (9) Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Jason Kelce, Cam Jurgens, Lane Johnson, Tyler Steen, Jack Driscoll, Fred Johnson, Sua Opeta

The Eagles were obviously going to keep their top five starters and third-round pick Steen. After that, Fred Johnson earned his roster spot and the two-year deal he signed just before the third preseason game and the Eagles…