In a dramatic turn of events, the Philadelphia Eagles made a bold roster move on Sunday afternoon, signing long snapper Christian Johnstone to bolster their special teams unit. The decision came on the heels of a concerning neck injury to veteran long snapper Charley Hughlett, who was limited during Sunday morning’s practice. With their kicking and punting operations hanging in the balance, the Eagles acted swiftly, waiving undrafted defensive back BJ Mayes to make room for the newcomer.
The signing of Johnstone is a critical move for the Eagles, who found themselves without a backup long snapper on their 90-man roster. Hughlett’s injury, while not yet fully detailed, sent shockwaves through the team, forcing them to dedicate two roster spots to the long snapper position. This strategic addition ensures that the Eagles’ special teams can operate seamlessly until Hughlett is cleared to return, keeping their preseason preparations on track.
Johnstone, a relatively unknown name to NFL fans, brings an intriguing resume to Philadelphia. A five-year standout at Appalachian State, Johnstone snapped in an impressive 65 games during his collegiate career, showcasing durability and reliability. His experience earned him a tryout at the Denver Broncos’ rookie camp this spring, a testament to his potential. Now, the Eagles are banking on his steadiness to stabilize their special teams in this critical moment.
Meanwhile, the departure of BJ Mayes marks the end of a brief stint with the Eagles. The undrafted defensive back from Texas A&M, who signed with the team on May 2, now hits the waiver wire. While Mayes’ time in Philly was short, his potential could see him land with another team eager to add depth to their secondary.
At 35, Charley Hughlett is no stranger to the NFL’s grind. The veteran long snapper joined the Eagles this offseason after a decade-long tenure with the Cleveland Browns, where he played in 152 games from 2015 to 2024. His remarkable streak of consecutive games came to a halt last season after a hip injury sidelined him following just five games, landing him on injured reserve. This latest neck injury adds another chapter to Hughlett’s battle-tested career, raising questions about his availability as the Eagles gear up for the 2025 season.
Hughlett’s signing this offseason marked a significant shift for the Eagles, as he replaced longtime long snapper Rick Lovato. A fan favorite, Lovato was a key part of both of Philadelphia’s Super Bowl-winning teams in 2017 and 2024. Over nine seasons with the Eagles, starting in 2016, Lovato appeared in 135 regular-season games and 15 playoff contests, cementing his legacy as one of the franchise’s most reliable specialists.
Despite the uncertainty at long snapper, the Eagles’ special teams unit remains in good hands with kicker Jake Elliott and punter Braden Mann returning for the 2025 season. The duo provides stability and experience, ensuring the team’s kicking game remains a strength as they navigate this unexpected challenge.
With their preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals looming on Thursday night, the Eagles are wasting no time. The team is set to hit the practice field on Monday and Tuesday, fine-tuning their game plan and integrating Johnstone into the fold. As the countdown to kickoff continues, all eyes will be on how this mystery long snapper steps up in the heat of battle, ready to prove he’s more than just a temporary fix for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.