PHILADELPHIA – In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the NFC East, the Philadelphia Eagles have just elevated two key practice squad players ahead of their pivotal Week 16 clash with the Washington Commanders. Tight end E.J. Jenkins and cornerback Brandon Johnson are getting the call-up, and while it might seem like a routine adjustment on paper, the implications could be game-changing—especially on special teams. The Commanders? They’re probably scrambling right now, because this strategic tweak is anything but predictable!
Let’s break it down: The Eagles, sitting pretty at 9-5 and on the cusp of clinching the NFC East for the second straight year, aren’t taking any chances against their 4-10 rivals. With Saturday’s matchup at Lincoln Financial Field looming large, head coach Nick Sirianni and his staff decided to bolster the roster with these under-the-radar talents. It’s a classic Eagles move—smart, calculated, and designed to exploit weaknesses that Washington might not even realize they have.
First up is E.J. Jenkins, the towering 6-foot-6, 245-pound tight end who’s no stranger to the Eagles’ system. This marks his second elevation of the season, the first coming back in Week 7 during a dominant win over the Minnesota Vikings. In that game, Jenkins logged five snaps on offense and a whopping 19 on special teams, proving his versatility and reliability in high-pressure situations. Signed as a rookie free agent by the New York Jets after the 2023 NFL Draft, Jenkins has spent most of the last two years honing his skills on Philly’s practice squad. But don’t sleep on his production: Last season, he appeared in eight games, including stints on the active roster, and even hauled in his first (and only) NFL reception—a touchdown in the 2024 regular-season finale against the New York Giants.
Why now? The timing couldn’t be more intriguing. Fullback/tight end Cameron Latu is listed as questionable after suffering a stinger in last week’s victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. While Latu was a full participant in Thursday’s practice, the Eagles aren’t risking it. Jenkins steps in as a seamless backup, bringing size, athleticism from his Georgia Tech days, and that special teams prowess that could tip the scales in a tight divisional battle.
But the real stunner? That’s cornerback Brandon Johnson, the undrafted rookie out of Oregon who’s on the verge of making his NFL debut. At 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds, Johnson is built for the slot—a position where the Eagles already boast young star Cooper DeJean and veteran Michael Carter. Yet, his elevation signals something bigger. Johnson turned heads during the summer with his speed and ball skills, following a college career that started at Duke before culminating at Oregon. In his final season with the Ducks—who captured the Big Ten Championship—Johnson notched six passes defended and an interception, showcasing the kind of playmaking ability that could disrupt Washington’s passing game.
If Johnson sees the field on Saturday, it’ll be a dream come true for the rookie, but a nightmare for the Commanders’ offense. Picture this: A fresh, hungry defender stepping into the fray, ready to make an immediate impact. And let’s not forget the preseason glimpse we got—back on August 16, 2025, Johnson was locking down receivers in a preseason tilt against the Cleveland Browns, including a standout play against wideout Jamari Thrash.
The biggest ripple effect of these elevations? Special teams, folks. Eagles returner Britain Covey didn’t mince words this week, telling Eagles on SI that Washington’s special teams unit is “the best group in the league.” Philly’s counter? Injecting Jenkins and Johnson, both of whom bring experience and energy to those critical phases. Jenkins’ 19 special teams snaps in Week 7 weren’t just filler—they were effective. Johnson, with his agility and instincts, could add another layer of disruption on coverage units or even in the return game if needed.
This isn’t just about depth; it’s a chess move in a high-stakes rivalry. The Eagles can clinch the NFC East with a win on Saturday—or even with a loss if the Dallas Cowboys fall to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Either way, repeating as division champs would be historic: The first back-to-back NFC East winners since the Andy Reid-led Eagles dominated from 2001 to 2004 with four straight titles.
The Commanders, mired in a disappointing 4-10 campaign, were probably prepping for the usual suspects on Philly’s roster. But Jenkins and Johnson? That’s the bombshell they never saw coming. In a season full of twists, this Week 16 showdown just got a whole lot more electrifying. Buckle up, NFC East fans—Saturday’s game could be one for the ages!