Eagles Make Slew of Roster Moves With 49ers Game Looming

Sunday poses one of the Philadelphia Eagles' biggest tests of the 2023 NFL season when they collide with the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field. The matchup is also a potential NFC Championship Game preview as the 49ers and Eagles hold the first- and second-best odds, respectively, to represent the conference at Super Bowl LVIII.

The Eagles might be the NFL's best team at the moment, but that doesn't mean they can underestimate the 49ers. Nick Sirianni must put forth the best possible lineup, which is why Philadelphia made a slew of roster moves on Thursday.

Eagles Roster News

The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane reports that linebacker Ben VanSumeren has been activated to the 53-man roster while defensive back Josiah Scott and wideout Cam Sims have been signed to the practice squad. Additionally, WR Greg Ward has been released from his practice squad deal.

It isn't too surprising to see VanSumeren's promotion. After all, the news come one day after it was announced that fellow LB Zach Cunningham will be sidelined from Sunday's contest with a hamstring strain.

VanSumeren — who joined Philly's practice squad as an undrafted free agent this summer — has played 62 special teams snaps over three games thus far, recording one solo tackle. He was impressive in the preseason, though, registering 18 solo tackles and a broken-up pass in three outings.

Meanwhile, Scott is in the middle of his second stint with the Eagles after being signed off the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad back in October. The 24-year-old has suited up in 33 games (4 starts) in a Philadelphia uniform since 2021, tallying 40 tackles, eight defended passes, two interceptions, and one sack.

The Eagles are also the third NFC East time that Sims has joined after beginning his career, having spent time with the Washington Commanders and New York Giants. The former Alabama product has played 55 games across five previous seasons, hauling in 57 catches for 804 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

It isn't too shocking to see Ward be released, though. While he initially showed promise during the start of his Eagles tenure, the veteran wideout lost favor once DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown came into the fold, highlighted by his lasting playing a regular season game in Week 17 of the 2021 campaign.

Time will tell if these moves help Philadelphia beat San Francisco this weekend. As it stands, the Eagles are slight underdogs to the 49ers across most sportsbooks.

In other Eagles news: