With the release of defensive tackle Antonio Dixon, the Eagles completed the initial task of reducing the roster to the 53-man limit on Friday prior to the 9 PM deadline.
The headliner among the cuts is Mike Kafka. The presumed backup entering Training Camp did not make the 53-man roster after the emergence of rookie Nick Foles and the outstanding preseason from veteran Trent Edwards.
Another notable cut was Joselio Hanson, the team's nickel cornerback for much of the last six seasons. With Hanson released, it appears that fourth-round rookie Brandon Boykin will be the nickel cornerback, though Nnamdi Asomugha can also play inside while Curtis Marsh plays on the outside.
Other notable cuts include 2010 fourth-round linebacker Keenan Clayton, wide receiver Mardy Gilyard, wide receiver Chad Hall, wide receiver Marvin McNutt, rookie safety Phillip Thomas, sixth-round pick offensive lineman Brandon Washington and veteran offensive lineman Steve Vallos. With Vallos and Washington released, Dallas Reynolds and Julian Vandervelde are the remaining interior offensive line backups.
Here is the full list of the players released.
| Eagles Reduce Roster To 53-Man Limit | |
|---|---|
| Player | Note |
| S Oshiomogho Atogwe | Veteran safety could not shake off nagging hamstring injury. |
| TE Brett Brackett | Former college receiver still a passing game threat, still raw as a blocker. |
| LB Keenan Clayton | Athletic 2010 fourth-round pick caught up in the numbers game at linebacker. |
| DT Landon Cohen | Signed by the team yesterday for help against the Jets. |
| DT Antonio Dixon | Inspirational story, but not fit for Jim Washburn's scheme. |
| TE Chase Ford | Miami product still a promising prospect as an all-around tight end. |
| WR Mardy Gilyard | Opened eyes with his touchdown receptions during the preseason, caught up in tough position. |
| WR Chad Hall | Versatile weapon who has shown he belongs in the league. Still practice squad eligible. |
| CB Joselio Hanson | Veteran nickel cornerback released on cut day for second straight year. |
| FB Emil Igwenagu | Stanley Havili wins the fullback job, though Igwenagu impressed with versatility. |
| T D.J. Jones | Solid swing tackle stuck behind King Dunlap, Demetress Bell and Dennis Kelly. |
| QB Mike Kafka | Trent Edwards' preseason was simply too good to keep off roster. |
| P Mat McBriar | Two-time Pro Bowl selection ousted by incumbent Chas Henry. |
| WR Marvin McNutt | Rookie sixth-round pick flashed in Training Camp. |
| LB Adrian Moten | Failed to establish himself behind top six linebackers. |
| DT Ollie Ogbu | Acquired from Colts on the first day of Training Camp. Still practice squad eligible. |
| LB Ryan Rau | Former tryout player opened eyes with impressive play in final two preseason games. |
| DE Monte Taylor | Talented pass rusher stuck at the team's deepest position. |
| S Phillip Thomas | Undrafted rookie who impressed against the Browns. Not quite ready for prime time. |
| DT Frank Trotter | Workmanlike defensive tackle. |
| OL Steve Vallos | Worked way up to second-team center, appears to have ceded job to Dallas Reynolds. |
| G Julian Vandervelde | Made initial cut, but released when team traded for S David Sims. |
| OL Brandon Washington | Sixth-round pick still adjusting to Howard Mudd's techniques. |
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