Eli Ricks returns to Eagles (but forced to release sleeper undrafted rookie)

Many in the media loved Pierce as a sleeper to make the Eagles' roster after going undrafted out of Rutgers. The former Scarlett Knight had a solid preseason and has been on the practice squad since after the final roster cutdown.

The impact on the Eagles' practice squad moving forward

It seemed like the Eagles were bound to bring back Ricks as he had a good preseason with the team, but the Jakorian Bennett trade complicated his status on the roster. Ricks' experience is needed for the Eagles, and should he be called up, he'll make a great special teams ace on coverage.

Pierce is disappointing to lose as his 6-foot-8, 341-pound frame makes him a dream lineman for Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland to develop. If worked with correctly, Pierce could be the next Jordan Mailata at tackle.

The Eagles' practice squad now has three cornerbacks with Ricks joining Parry Nickerson and Brandon Jackson. All three had good preseasons that the team is happy to have back on the roster as reinforcement in case things go south in the secondary.

This most likely won't be the end of the line for Pierce, as the Eagles like him enough that this could be another roster gymnastic move that should see him return soon enough.