The Eagles made a series of roster moves on Monday evening. First, they agreed to sign defensive tackle Anthony Rush off of the Raiders' practice squad. Then, to make room on the roster, they released cornerback Orlando Scandrick and defensive tackle Akeem Spence.
A rookie free agent out of Alabama-Birmingham, the 6-5, 350-pound Rush signed with the Eagles following the NFL Draft. Coincidentally, he was waived back in July to make room for Scandrick. Rush landed in Oakland and was tied for the team lead with 11 tackles, three for loss, in the preseason. He was on Oakland's practice squad for the entire season.
Rush spent two years at Northeast Mississippi Community College before transferring to UAB, where he posted 77 tackles, 20 for loss, two sacks, and a pick-six in two seasons.
Scandrick didn't make the Eagles' active roster out of Training Camp, but was brought back to man the nickel cornerback position after the injury to cornerback Avonte Maddox in Week 4. Scandrick had quite an Eagles debut with two strip-sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble return for a touchdown in the win over the Jets.
Spence was signed by the Eagles after the injury to Malik Jackson in Week 1. In six games, he recorded 10 tackles. He played a season-high 47 snaps Sunday night against Dallas. Depth at defensive tackle remains something to watch as Hassan Ridgeway exited Sunday's game with an ankle injury. Head coach Doug Pederson said Ridgeway was undergoing further evaluation on Monday. The Eagles have defensive ends like Brandon Graham and Vinny Curry who can slide inside to tackle if needed.
Later on Monday evening, the Eagles also added another rookie free agent defensive tackle off a practice squad as they agreed to sign Albert Huggins away from Houston.
A two-time National Champion at Clemson, the 22-year-old Huggins had eight tackles and four QB hits for the Texans in the preseason.
The Orangeburg, South Carolina native had 68 tackles, 11.5 for loss, and 6.5 sacks in four seasons (46 games) for the Clemson Tigers. Last year, the 6-3, 305-pound Huggins played 408 snaps on defense and was credited for 30 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. He made two starts, one of them in the National Championship win over Alabama.
