Eagles work out former Cowboys RB JaQuan Hardy

The Eagles recently released cornerback Craig James, which opened up a single spot on the active roster. NFL rules allow teams to carry 90 players at the beginning of training camp.

JaQuan Hardy (37) leaps over Eagles defensive back Andre Chachere (21) during a game in January.Read moreDAVID MAIALETTI / Staff Photographer

by Josh Tolentino

Updated Jul. 25, 2022, 5:01 p.m. ET

Published Jul. 25, 2022, 5:00 a.m. ET

Editor’s note: The Inquirer originally published a story on Monday morning that said the Eagles intended to sign Hardy, pending a physical. Since then, The Inquirer has received clarification from multiple league sources that the Eagles brought in Hardy for a workout, however, no deal is imminent.

The Eagles brought in former Dallas Cowboys running back JaQuan Hardy for a workout Monday, a league source told The Inquirer.

Hardy, 24, originally signed with the Cowboys last season as an undrafted free agent out of Tiffin University. The 5-foot-10, 225-pound tailback spent a majority of the season on Dallas’ practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster for three games, finishing with four carries for 29 yards. His most productive outing occurred against the Eagles in Week 18, when he ran for a 22-yard touchdown. He also returned one kickoff for 15 yards.

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The Eagles recently released cornerback Craig James, which opened up a single spot on the active roster. Per NFL rules and regulations, teams are allowed to carry 90 players at the beginning of training camp. If Hardy or another player is signed, the roster will reach its limit again. Roster cutdown dates follow each week of the preseason; the Eagles must reduce their roster to 85 players by Aug. 16; 80 players by Aug. 23; and the final cut to a 53-man active roster by Aug. 30.

Hardy could potentially join a running back room that features Miles Sanders, Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott, Jason Huntley, and undrafted rookie Kennedy Brooks. Sanders is the group’s most efficient runner; he averaged 5.5 yards per carry, but he missed five games due to injuries and did not score a touchdown. Among the running backs, Scott and Gainwell led the team in touchdowns with seven and six, respectively. Huntley played in just one game — Week 18 against the Cowboys — and had 13 carries for 51 yards.

The Eagles have not re-signed free-agent running back Jordan Howard, who rushed 86 times for 406 yards and three touchdowns over seven games last season.

After going 9-8 and reaching the NFC wild-card game in 2021, the Eagles are scheduled to report for training camp on Tuesday. The first team practice session is scheduled for Wednesday morning at NovaCare Complex.