The Eagles added another chess piece on the back end of the defense Wednesday when they signed veteran cornerback Bradley Roby to the practice squad. The former first-round pick is expected to come in, learn the playbook, and contribute on defense. The Eagles have already had success utilizing the practice squad for reinforcements on defense this season with Nicholas Morrow filling in at linebacker while Nakobe Dean is on Injured Reserve.
"He has a lot of experience both on the outside corner and the nickel slot," Head Coach Nick Sirianni said. "We're a little banged up there right now, so he gives us some good depth and a guy who's done it before and we're excited to have him on this football team."
Sirianni would not rule out Roby being ready as early as this week for Sunday's game in Los Angeles against the Rams.
"We've had guys ready to play all sorts of different times, so you can never really tell," Sirianni said. "The (game) plan's still being worked on. We don't have our game plan finished yet. We still have multiple days to work on that. We'll see. We'll see how long it takes. I know he's a really sharp guy."
Roby gives Defensive Coordinator Sean Desai another option as the 10th-year player has experience both on the outside and in the slot. The Eagles lost starting nickel Avonte Maddox to a pectoral injury and moved James Bradberry inside for the past two games.
Roby spent last season in New Orleans, where he played in 13 games (10 starts, including the win over the Eagles) and totaled 36 tackles and five passes defensed in 600 defensive snaps. Roby reunites in Philadelphia with former Saints teammates safety Justin Evans and defensive tackle Kentavius Street.
The 31-year-old Roby (5-foot-11, 194 pounds) was selected by Denver with the 31st overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. Roby spent five years in Denver, two years in Houston, and the past two in New Orleans. He was released by the Saints during the final roster cutdown. In 126 career games (60 starts), Roby has accumulated 11 interceptions (3 returned for touchdowns), 85 pass deflections, eight forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries, and five sacks.
"I was waiting for the right situation," Roby said. "I really want to win a championship, I have one in my career, and I am thirsty to get back."
