Eagles make bold roster move by promoting Britain Covey for Black Friday clash with Bears
The Philadelphia Eagles are gearing up for a pivotal showdown against the Chicago Bears this Black Friday, and they are making a significant adjustment to their roster in anticipation of the matchup. With chilly and windy conditions expected at Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles have elevated Britain Covey to the 53-man roster, a decision that underscores their commitment to improving their special teams unit.
Currently standing at an impressive 8-3, the Eagles will face a Bears team that shares the same record. This clash features two first-place squads in the NFC, heightening the stakes for both franchises as they vie for playoff positioning.
Roster Adjustments
To accommodate Covey’s promotion, the Eagles placed safety Drew Mukuba on injured reserve due to a fractured ankle. This move not only reflects the team’s focus on enhancing their punt return capabilities but also acknowledges the impact of injuries on their defensive depth.
Covey has been a standout performer in the punt return game over the past two seasons. In the current campaign, he leads the NFL with 417 punt return yards and is the only player with multiple returns exceeding 50 yards. Additionally, Covey has showcased his consistency by recording 16 returns that have gone for ten yards or more.
Path Back to Philadelphia
The Utah product initially found himself with the Los Angeles Rams during the offseason after a challenging 2024 season marred by injuries. Despite his potential, Covey was among the final cuts made by the Rams ahead of the regular season. However, he returned to Philadelphia, joining the practice squad, and now finds himself back on the active roster at a critical time.
At the start of the season, the Eagles opted for Jahan Dotson as their primary punt returner. Dotson had five punt returns for 48 yards, with a long return of 16 yards, though he often played it safe with 12 fair catches. Covey’s elevation suggests a shift in strategy as the Eagles look to capitalize on his explosive return ability.
As the Eagles prepare for the Bears, all eyes will be on how Covey’s return to the field can influence the outcome of this high-stakes encounter.
