The Eagles signed veteran safety Tom Nelson to the active roster on Monday. To make room for Nelson, safety Colt Anderson was placed on injured reserve. Anderson suffered a torn ACL Thursday night in Seattle.
The 5-11, 200-pound Nelson played in 21 games (three starts) for the Cincinnati Bengals from 2009-10. Originally a free agent signing for the Bengals out of Illinois State in 2009, Nelson racked up 34 tackles, two pass deflections and an interception. He spent the 2011 preseason with the Bengals before being released prior to the start of the regular season.
The 25-year-old Nelson started in 46 consecutive games in his four years at Illinois State. As a senior in 2008, he registered a team-high 81 tackles and led the Missouri Valley Conference with a 15.8 average on punt returns, which included an 82-yard return for a touchdown. He also scored on a 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown that season.
Anderson is garnering strong consideration for the Pro Bowl based on his performance on special teams. He is the leader in special teams production points with 146 (fullback Owen Schmitt is second with 85) and is tied for the team-lead in special teams tackles with nine.
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