In a move that might surprise many fans, the Philadelphia Eagles announced two roster updates on Sunday afternoon—sparking some questions about team strategy and player trust. Here’s a clear breakdown of what happened:
- Wide Receiver and Return Specialist Xavier Gipson has been waived.
- Offensive Tackle Myles Hinton was moved from questionable to officially out for the game due to injury.
Let's examine each situation more closely.
Xavier Gipson
Many could argue that the Eagles should have cut Gipson earlier, especially after a costly mistake during Week 12. During that game against the Dallas Cowboys, Gipson made a questionable decision to return a punt from the Eagles’ own 2-yard line—an extremely risky move—and then fumbled the ball away in the process. That play not only gave the Cowboys excellent field position but also raised doubts about his decision-making under pressure.
Adding to the controversy, Gipson sustained a shoulder injury on that very play, which caused him to miss Week 13. However, he has since returned to practice, showing that he’s no longer injured. This development makes his recent waiver all the more intriguing, as it suggests the team might be moving on due to trust issues rather than physical limitations.
If Gipson clears waivers, the Eagles might consider re-signing him to their practice squad—though that seems unlikely given his recent underperformance and questionable judgment. Instead, Britain Covey, who was promoted from the practice squad last week, will likely step into Gipson’s role as the primary returner for punts and kicks. Covey also provides additional depth at wide receiver, so this move might be more about reliability than pure talent.
Gipson’s exit leaves the Eagles with a roster spot to fill. Most signs point toward the team activating safety Marcus Epps from injured reserve to start against the Los Angeles Chargers. The team has until 4 p.m. Eastern on Monday to make this roster adjustment—meaning fans will soon learn whether Epps will be back on the field.
Myles Hinton
Hinton’s 21-day window to return from injured reserve is quickly running out. The Eagles now face the critical decision of whether to activate the rookie offensive tackle or shut him down for the season. Recent moves, including the recent release of Willie Lampkin, suggest that the team might choose the latter.
Given that Lane Johnson could be ready to return as soon as next weekend, it seems likely that Hinton will be sidelined for the remainder of the season. The team might prefer to give him extra time to recover fully rather than rushing him back into action—and risking further injury.
This roster shuffle reflects how the Eagles are managing their injury list carefully, balancing the need for immediate help with long-term health considerations. The coming days will reveal whether Hinton makes the cut or is held out for good.
In the end, these updates highlight the ongoing strategic adjustments NFL teams make—sometimes driven by performance, sometimes by injury, and often a combo of both. Do you think the Eagles made the right call with Gipson and Hinton? Or are these moves more about managing risk than rewarding talent? Share your thoughts—this kind of roster management always sparks lively debate.
