Eagles Make Early Cuts, Including Preseason Standout Steele
The Eagles released running back Carson Steele, defensive tackle Gabe Hall, and safety Cole Wisniewski as they trim to 53 players. Steele impressed in preseason but lost out due to positional needs, while Hall and Wisniewski were affected by depth and injuries. The team must finalize its roster by Sunday.
The Eagles' roster decisions reflect a tight competition at several positions. Carson Steele led the team in preseason receiving with 14 catches for 136 yards and two touchdowns, yet his release stems from a positional shift—the team appears to favor Cameron Latu at fullback while needing tight end depth due to Eli Stowers' hamstring injury. Steele's production came largely after the catch, with 128 of his yards gained that way.
Defensive tackle Gabe Hall had earned a spot on the initial 53-man roster and recorded four pressures and a quarterback hit this preseason, but Ty Robinson's late-camp emergence created a numbers crunch. Safety Cole Wisniewski's chances were derailed by a hamstring injury that cost him most of training camp and OTAs, followed by a concussion after the second preseason game. Both Hall and Wisniewski could land on the practice squad if they clear waivers.
These early cuts could shape the Eagles' season depth in subtle but meaningful ways. Practice squad placements may determine how quickly the team can respond to injuries at running back, defensive tackle, and safety—positions where NFL teams often need emergency reinforcements. For players like Steele, a strong preseason followed by release highlights how roster math, not talent alone, drives NFL careers. Fans following roster moves may gain insight into the team's strategic priorities, particularly the emphasis on tight end flexibility over fullback tradition.