Philly Leader

The Philadelphia Eagles have announced several roster changes ahead of their upcoming game against the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field. Tight end E.J. Jenkins has been signed to the active roster, while tight end Dallas Goedert has been placed on Injured Reserve.

Jenkins, known for his impressive size and athleticism, initially joined the Eagles' practice squad after showing promise during Training Camp and preseason. He was elevated for two games earlier this season and played in a win against Jacksonville on November 3. Jenkins began his professional career with the New York Jets as a rookie free agent from Georgia Tech following the 2023 NFL Draft and spent time on practice squads with both the Eagles and Las Vegas Raiders.

In college, Jenkins played at Georgia Tech after starting at St. Francis of Pennsylvania and South Carolina. Over 46 games, he recorded 1,264 yards and 18 touchdowns on 69 receptions. With his addition to the active roster, Jenkins will serve as the third tight end behind Grant Calcaterra and C.J. Uzomah.

To accommodate Jenkins' promotion, Dallas Goedert has been placed on Injured Reserve due to a knee injury sustained in last Sunday's victory over the Ravens. Goedert is expected to miss at least four games but could return for Week 18's regular-season finale against the Giants if recovered.

Goedert has had a productive season so far with 38 catches for 441 yards and two touchdowns across nine games. Since becoming a starter in 2021, he ranks fifth among NFL tight ends in receiving yards.

Additionally, fullback Khari Blasingame and safety Andre Sam have been elevated from the practice squad for Sunday's game. Blasingame recently joined after being released by the Chicago Bears; he replaces linebacker Ben VanSumeren who is also on Injured Reserve due to a knee injury.

Andre Sam is set to make his NFL debut following his signing as an undrafted free agent post-2024 NFL Draft. Sam was LSU's Defensive Player of the Year in 2023 with notable performances including three interceptions and a career-high of 85 tackles during his collegiate tenure spanning McNeese State, Marshall, and LSU.

Reed Blankenship (concussion) and Sydney Brown (knee) will be unavailable due to injuries.