Uar Bernard, Joshua Weru react to landing on Eagles’ practice squad: ‘Philly’s home for us’
Weru says the "reviews had been positive" of his play in preseason, while Bernard admitted the pair "never knew we could even make the practice squad."
The spotlight on Uar Bernard and Joshua Weru has mostly faded for now. They each had a decent preseason as football novices, but as Vic Fangio said in August, they’re both “light years away.”
And yet, here they still are.
After being waived in general manager Howie Roseman’s final roster cuts last week, Bernard and Weru cleared waivers and landed back on the team’s practice squad.
How did the two International Pathway program (IPP) players react to the news?
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“When I came in and talked to Howie, Nick [Sirianni] and my coaches, they told me that I made the decision harder for them,” Weru said. “So the reviews had been positive. I’m just so happy to still be here.”
“It’s a great move for us because we never knew we could even make the practice squad,” said Bernard. “All glory to God, we made it. And from there, who knows what could happen if we keep working hard?”
There was some concern that at least one of them would be claimed. Teams love project players and Bernard — a 6-foot-4, 306-pound super athlete from Nigeria whom the Eagles drafted in the seventh round — and Weru — who looked like he could be a legitimate rotational edge rusher — certainly fit that mold.
They backed it up with some glimpses in the preseason too, with Bernard recording two solo tackles and Weru posting five tackles and a sack. But landing back with the Eagles — a team that benefited from the IPP in a huge way when they developed All-Pro tackle Jordan Mailata — was their preferred outcome.
“Philly’s home for us now,” said Bernard.
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“Before I came here, I knew Philadelphia was like the biggest when it came to fans, like the most dedicated fans sports wise,” said Weru. ”I’ve seen that and I’ve heard from Eagles fans and I love it.”
It’s still going to be a steep climb for the pair. Defensive ends coach Jeremiah Washburn and defensive tackles coach Clint Hurtt are being patient while teaching them the fundamentals of football, so don’t expect to see them making an impact any time soon (if ever).
Roseman emphasized that point last week, warning fans and pundits alike to heed caution when comparing anyone to Mailata — who is widely considered the greatest player in the history of the IPP.
“I think if we’re just judging everyone through the lens of Jordan Mailata, it’s going to be hard to give these guys a fair chance,” said Roseman. “Still very excited about them, really glad that they did get through. Certainly wasn’t certain about that, but I’m glad they’re back here.”
The Eagles’ regular season roster is set - for now. How ready is the team for the new year, and will the talent be enough for the Eagles to get back to Super Bowl contention? The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Mike Sielski examine general manager Howie Roseman’s final roster decisions in the aftermath of cutdown day. Listen here.
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