The Philadelphia Eagles could likely be without one of their playmakers on offense, as standout tight end Dallas Goedert reportedly isn’t practicing for the second straight day. The veteran tight end is dealing with a sprained knee.
With Goedert trending towards not playing, Grant Calcaterra is the likely candidate to step into the TE1 role. However, practice squad tight end Cameron Latu could make his Eagles’ debut at fullback and the team’s TE3 role in Week 2.
According to Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia, Latu has changed his number from 87 to 36. Zangaro also reported that Eagles offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo suggested Latu could step in at fullback.
Cameron Latu on Verge of Practice Squad Promotion Ahead of Week 2 vs. Chiefs
As we know, the Eagles are also without starting fullback Ben VanSumeren, who suffered a season-ending knee injury (torn patella tendon) on the first play in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys. Eagles fans were excited to see VanSumeren at fullback full-time this season after being utilized part-time in 2024.
Philadelphia used third-string Kylen Granson in a fullback role briefly against the Cowboys, but the Eagles likely can’t do that this week with Goedert banged up.
Granson will have to be the TE2 on Sunday, which opens the door for Latu to be called up from the practice squad, and not E.J. Jenkins, for example, who is also on the taxi squad. Jenkins doesn’t have that fullback/h-back versatility that the Eagles have developed with Lau.
Latu was re-signed to the Eagles' practice squad last month, a couple of days after the roster cutdown deadline. The former San Francisco 49ers’ third-round pick didn’t do much on offense in the preseason (two targets), but showed he could play special teams, which is a good way to get on the coaches' radar.
Philadelphia took a chance on Latu, signing him in January on a futures/reserve deal. And now he’s days away from getting on the field at Arrowhead. It will be interesting to see if the Eagles use their fullback packages with Latu as he also gives them the option to catch passes out of the backfield.,
After being viewed as a bust with the 49ers, Latu has a golden chance to change the narrative about himself and give the Eagles’ offense a boost.