Eagles make surprising roster move ahead of Week 14 vs. Cowboys

The Philadelphia Eagles have released linebacker Christian Elliss mere days before their pivotal NFC East divisional matchup with the Dallas Cowboys, via Owen Boyle of the Eagles’ official team website.

The move comes after Philadelphia signed fellow linebacker Shaquille Leonard earlier this week.

Elliss played in 12 games with Philly this season, logging 21 tackles. He made his first career start against the San Francisco 49ers last weekend, finishing with six stops.

Linebacker has been a pressing issue for the Eagles all year long, which is what makes Elliss’ release a bit surprising. However, Philadelphia obviously feels that Leonard can fill that role.

Elliss, who played his collegiate football at the University of Idaho, went undrafted back in 2021 and caught on with the Minnesota Vikings that offseason. However, he was waived prior to the season and then joined the Eagles’ practice squad.

The 24-year-old had been back and forth between Philadelphia’s practice squad and active roster ever since. He appeared in one contest in 2021, registering three tackles. He then participated in six games last year, totaling 11 tackles.

Leonard was released by the Indianapolis Colts late last month after recording 65 tackles in nine games with the club this season. The 28-year-old was once one of the top linebackers in football, as he made three trips to the Pro Bowl while also earning three First-Team All-Pro selections over his first four seasons.

Leonard’s best season came during his rookie campaign, when he led the league with 163 tackles while adding seven sacks, a couple of interceptions, four forced fumbles and a pair of fumble recoveries.

Unfortunately, a back issue that would ultimately require surgery derailed Leonard’s tenure with the Colts, as he played in just three games in 2022.

He has shown some signs of life this year, so perhaps he can step in and provide the Eagles with what they have been missing in 2023.

Philadelphia is 10-2 and holds a one-game lead over the Cowboys for first place in the NFC East.