The Philadelphia Eagles retained several familiar players Monday while announcing the first 13 members of their 2026 practice squad.
Here are the biggest takeaways from the initial group.
Britain Covey remains valuable insurance
Covey did not make a crowded wide receiver room, but his return gives Philadelphia an experienced option who understands the offense and can handle punt-return duties. He could be elevated if injuries affect either unit.
The Eagles protected their running back depth
Dameon Pierce and Carson Steele give Philadelphia two call-up candidates behind Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley. Pierce supplies NFL experience and a physical running style, while Steele strengthened his case during the preseason.
Defense dominated the initial group
Eight of the 13 additions play defense. Uar Bernard and Gabe Hall provide interior depth, while Chance
Campbell joins four outside linebackers: Keyshawn James-Newby, Mason Reiger and Joshua Weru. Maximus Pulley and Cole Wisniewski give the secondary two developmental safeties.
Philadelphia retained three draft picks
Bernard, James-Newby and Wisniewski did not survive the final cut, but all three 2026 seventh-round selections cleared waivers and returned. The practice squad allows the Eagles to continue developing their latest draft class without using active-roster spots.
Several positions could still be addressed
The announced group does not include a quarterback, tight end or cornerback. That could change as Philadelphia evaluates players released by other teams and determines where additional insurance is needed.
The practice squad will change throughout the season, but its initial construction offers a clear blend of veteran readiness and developmental upside.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Five takeaways from Eagles’ initial 2026 practice squad
