The Philadelphia Eagles have made a couple of roster moves that have fans buzzing, and at least one of them is sure to spark some debate. Let's dive into the details.
On Sunday afternoon, the Eagles officially announced that:
- Wide Receiver and Return Specialist Xavier Gipson has been waived.
- Offensive Tackle Myles Hinton has been downgraded from questionable to OUT on the injury report.
Let's break down what these moves mean, player by player.
XAVIER GIPSON: A Costly Mistake and a Quick Exit
Let's be honest, Xavier Gipson's time with the Eagles ended with a thud. Many fans are likely not surprised by this move. It's surprising it didn't happen sooner, especially considering the disastrous punt return against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 12. Gipson's decision to field a punt deep in Eagles territory – from their own 2-yard line, no less! – and then fumble it away was a critical error that contributed to the loss. But here's where it gets controversial… Some might argue that one mistake shouldn't define a player's entire career. What do you think?
Adding insult to injury, Gipson suffered a shoulder injury on that very play, sidelining him for Week 13. His return to practice this week signaled that he was healthy enough to be released, and the Eagles wasted no time in doing so.
Now, the question is: Could Gipson return to the Eagles' practice squad if he clears waivers? While possible, it seems unlikely. The coaching staff may have lost trust in him after that costly miscue.
Britain Covey, who was elevated from the practice squad last week, is set to take over Gipson's return duties on both punts and kickoffs. Covey also provides valuable depth at the wide receiver position.
Gipson's departure opens up a valuable roster spot for the Eagles. The most likely scenario is that the team will activate Marcus Epps from injured reserve to bolster the safety position for their upcoming game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Eagles have until 4:00 PM Eastern on Monday to make this move. It will be very telling if they don't.
MYLES HINTON: A Promising Rookie's Season in Limbo
The clock is ticking for rookie offensive tackle Myles Hinton. His 21-day practice window to return from injured reserve is set to expire this week. The Eagles face two options:
- Activate him to the active roster, giving him a chance to contribute this season.
- Place him on season-ending injured reserve, effectively ending his rookie campaign. This is what they did recently with Willie Lampkin.
The prevailing sentiment is that Hinton will likely be shut down for the remainder of the season. And this is the part most people miss… With veteran Lane Johnson potentially returning from injury as early as next weekend, the Eagles might not see the need to rush Hinton back into action, especially given his rookie status. This allows him to fully recover and prepare for next season.
So, what do you think of these roster moves? Was waiving Gipson the right call after that costly fumble? And what's the best path forward for Myles Hinton – a late-season return or a focus on 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
