Former Alabama football star announces run for one of state’s top offices

On Thursday, the Philadelphia Eagles announced they released third-year CB Eli Ricks from the practice squad. Ricks, a former undrafted free agent out of Alabama, should be quite used to the roster movement by now — he was just signed on September 24.

In fact, this is the fourth time this season the Eagles have released Ricks. After spending most of the last season on the team’s practice squad, the young cornerback was signed to a futures deal following the 2024 season. He was released as part of the team’s final roster cuts on August 26 and was quickly re-signed to the practice squad the following day.

Ricks was then cut from the practice squad on August 29 and re-signed on September 3. He was released again on September 10 before being re-signed on September 24, and now of course was released today.

Ricks’ release was one of a series of practice squad transactions the Eagles performed on Thursday. They signed ED K.J. Henry and DT Jacob Sykes, releasing Ricks and ED Antwaun Powell-Ryland in corresponding moves.

Ricks has appeared in 23 games between 2023 and 2024 for the Eagles, getting snaps on both defense and special teams. For his career, he has 21 tackles and three passes defensed.

The Philadelphia Eagles Need More Cornerback Depth

It’s not a great sign that Ricks can’t hang around on the Eagles practice squad at a position of need. Second-year players Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean are two of the best cornerbacks in the league, despite their youth, but DeJean primarily plays in the slot. The second outside corner spot opposite Mitchell has been an issue for Philadelphia all year.

Former Titans and Giants CB Adoree’ Jackson was named the starter coming out of training camp and the preseason, but he’s had an up-and-down campaign so far and missed the Eagles’ Week 4 win over the Buccaneers with an injury. Trade acquisition Jakorian Bennett, brought over from the Raiders back in August, is currently on Injured Reserve (IR).

That left third-year CB Kelee Ringo as the other starter last week, and he may be thrust into the starting lineup again in Week 5 if Jackson can’t go. Cornerback depth is an issue right now in Philadelphia, though the team clearly doesn’t see Ricks as part of the solution.

The Philadelphia Eagles Have More Tests Awaiting

The Eagles passed their first few tests with flying colors, beating their rival Cowboys on opening night and have since beaten the Chiefs, Rams, and Buccaneers. The Rams game, in particular, was an impressive display of fortitude. The Eagles battle back from 19 down in the third quarter to win on a walk-off blocked field goal returned for a touchdown.

The Broncos loom on Sunday, a talented team that might be able to match Philadelphia’s physicality and defensive intensity. They don’t have the offensive firepower the Eagles do, however. After that, games against the Vikings, Packers, and Lions will test the Eagles in different ways. How they respond to those challenges will determine their season trajectory as they attempt to repeat as Super Bowl champions.