As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for a high-stakes NFC East clash against the rival Washington Commanders on Saturday evening, they’ve made a strategic move that could tip the scales in their favor. The team has elevated two key players from the practice squad: tight end E.J. Jenkins and cornerback Brandon Johnson. This timely reinforcement comes at a critical moment, potentially bolstering both offense and defense in ways that spell trouble for Washington.
TE E.J. Jenkins: A Towering Threat Ready to Dominate
Standing at an imposing 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds, Jenkins is no stranger to stepping up when it counts. This marks his second elevation of the season, following a solid showing in the Week 7 victory over Minnesota, where he logged five snaps on offense and 19 on special teams.
Jenkins’ journey to this point has been one of persistence. Signed as a rookie free agent by the New York Jets after the 2023 NFL Draft, he’s spent most of the last two years honing his skills on the Eagles’ practice squad. In 2024, he appeared in eight games, splitting time between practice squad call-ups and active roster duties. His breakout moment came in the season finale against the Giants, where he snagged his first NFL reception—and turned it into a touchdown. Jenkins proved his versatility last year, racking up 91 special teams snaps alongside 95 on offense.
Adding to the intrigue, tight end Cameron Latu—who doubles as a fullback—is listed as questionable for Saturday after a stinger injury in last Sunday’s win over the Raiders. Though Latu fully participated in Thursday’s practice, Jenkins’ elevation provides crucial depth, ensuring the Eagles’ tight end room remains a force to be reckoned with.
CB Brandon Johnson: A Rookie Debut with Playoff Vibes
For undrafted rookie Brandon Johnson, this elevation couldn’t come at a more poetic time—his NFL debut aligns with his alma mater Oregon’s appearance in the College Football Playoff. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound cornerback out of Oregon has earned his shot after a fierce summer battle for a roster spot, primarily shining as a nickel defender.
Johnson’s college path showcased his resilience and talent. After three seasons at Duke, where he majored in sociology, he transferred to Oregon in 2024. In his lone season with the Ducks, he delivered 45 tackles, six passes defensed, and an interception, helping propel the team to a Big Ten Championship in their inaugural conference year.
With these elevations, the Eagles are injecting fresh energy and depth into their lineup, just in time for a divisional showdown that could reshape the NFC East standings. Commanders fans, consider this your warning: Philadelphia’s latest roster tweak might just be the edge that turns Saturday night into a nightmare for Washington.