Eagles Shockingly Release Longtime Defender Right Before Week 2 Kickoff

As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for their Week 2 matchup on Monday Night Football against the Atlanta Falcons, they made a shocking move only hours before kickoff.

According to Eagles reporter Jeff McLane, the Eagles signed offensive lineman Nick Gates and elevated WR Parris Campbell, and tight end E.J. Jenkins to the active roster. The injuries on the offensive side of the ball, including to AJ Brown, necessitated these moves.

Who the Eagles decided to waive to create a roster spot, however, was unexpected. Patrick Johnson, who has been with Philadelphia since 2021, was released on Monday afternoon.

NFL News: Eagles Waive LB Patrick Johnson

Johnson was a seventh-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and was in the final year of his rookie contract. A special teams ace for the past three seasons, Johnson exclusively played on the special teams in Week 1.

After playing more significant snaps in the first two seasons of his Eagles career, Johnson only played 38 defensive snaps in 15 games last year, finishing with seven tackles. In that limited span, he wasn't particularly effective, finishing with a 47.3 PFF grade.

However, Johnson had a solid performance in the preseason and earned himself a spot in the 53-man roster. Yet, the injuries in other positions required him to be cut after only one week.

Johnson is a good bet to return to the Eagles practice squad as long as he clears waivers. Considering how little he has played on the defensive side of the ball in recent years, it's hard to imagine him having too big of a market outside of Philadelphia.

The newly signed Gates will continue to be the backup center while Jenkins will get limited action as TE3 behind Dallas Goedert and Grant Calcaterra. Campbell, on the other hand, should get the most playing time with a chance to establish himself as a part of the receiver room.

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