Throughout the first seven weeks of the regular season, Philadelphia Eagles fans have devoted most of their attention to the pass rush and the CB2 spot, which have been the constant topics of discussion due to their lackluster performances.
However, those aren’t the only two position groups struggling this season, as the Eagles’ tight end room could use a substantial upgrade at TE2. Dallas Goedert has played well this season and been a weapon inside the red zone. But Grant Calcaterra doesn’t offer much in terms of a blocker or receiver, which is not ideal in case Goedert goes down.
Therefore, fans would expect the Eagles to add to their TE room, not subtract from it. But that’s what the Eagles did on Tuesday. According to Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia, the Eagles released tight end Jaheim Bell from the practice squad.
Eagles Send Jaheim Bell Packing After 1 Week
It was a rather quick hook for Bell, who just joined the Eagles’ practice squad last week ahead of their Week 7 game against the Minnesota Vikings. Before signing with Philadelphia, Bell spent his rookie season in 2024 with the New England Patriots, where he appeared in 15 games and played special teams.
The Patriots sent Bell packing towards the end of August, making him a free agent and opening up an opportunity to join the Eagles.
Despite Bell getting released on Tuesday, Philadelphia still has another tight end on its practice squad in E.J. Jenkins, who was elevated from the taxi squad ahead of the Vikings’ game. The 26-year-old tight end played 24 total snaps (5 offensive, 19 special teams).
As for Bell, the Eagles likely brought him for additional depth due to Calcaterra being banged up with an oblique injury and subsequently missing last week’s game. He also missed the Eagles’ Week 6 matchup against the New York Giants.
The Eagles likely hope that Calcaterra is healthy after missing the last two games, but we won’t know anything for certain until the initial injury report is released on Wednesday.
Eagles Still Looking for Answers at Tight End
Regardless of whether Calcaterra is healthy or not, the fan base would be open to an upgrade at the TE2 spot by the trade deadline. It's not a high priority like a pass rusher and cornerback, but behind Goedert they've been abysmal at the position. Calcaterra ranks dead-last among tight ends in Pro Football Focus grade, and Kylen Granson isn't much better at 72nd out of 76. The two have combined for just 46 receiving yards on 8 targets this season.
If Mark Andrews is truly available, he would be a dream target to pair with Goedert.
Another possible TE2 option for the Eagles could be Michael Mayer of the Las Vegas Raiders, who has flashed in a couple of games this season with a banged-up Brock Bowers. But at the end of the day, we know Bowers is the guy and not Mayer.
Nonetheless, it’ll be interesting to see if the Eagles fill Bell’s spot on the taxi squad with another tight end or another position as they chug along through the rest of this month.