The defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles are gearing up for their title defense, which begins on September 4 against the Dallas Cowboys.
The Eagles know that they will have a target on their back every game this season, as every team they play will give them their best shot. Therefore, Philadelphia needs to make sure it's prepared in all three phases of the game – offense, defense, and special teams.
The special teams unit should be one of the better units in the league this season, led by kicker Jake Elliott and punter Braden Mann. However, the Eagles are still missing a potential returner, which could be a problem.
Philadelphia thought Avery Williams, whom they signed to a one-year deal this offseason, could fill the role, but he was waived on Tuesday. Luckily, for the Eagles, a fan favorite was suddenly available on the open market, and he was at practice on Thursday.
Britain Covey back on the Eagles’ practice squad. pic.twitter.com/ST7QxuiZqd
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) August 28, 2025
Britain Covey Back with Eagles After Getting Released by the Rams
According to Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia, veteran wide receiver Britain Covey is back on the Eagles’ practice squad.
The 28-year-old Covey was most recently with the Los Angeles Rams, who signed him to a one-year deal in May. Covey was trying to compete for a spot on the Rams’ 53-man roster, but came up short and was released on Tuesday.
But now the wide receiver/return specialist gets a chance to come back to Philadelphia, who gave him a chance in 2022 as an undrafted free agent. In the offseason, Covey penned a heartfelt message to the fanbase, thanking them and the team for the opportunity.
Since he’s on the practice squad, the Eagles would only be able to elevate him three times to the active roster before having to sign him for the rest of the year.
Nonetheless, Eagles fans are happy to have Covey back on the team as he provides a solid option on punt returns.
Over his three-year NFL career, the 28-year-old return specialist has averaged 11.3 yards per punt return. Covey’s best year on punt returns was in 2023, when he had a career-high and league-leading 417 yards (14.4 yards per return).
Last season, Covey only appeared in five games due to injury, but still managed to average 7.7 yards per return, while contributing a little bit on offense (seven receptions for 34 yards).
Philly hopes they won’t need to use Covey on offense, given the talent in the WR. At least, the Eagles know they have a reliable option that the fanbase already approves of.