Skip to content
Eagles
Link copied to clipboard

Eagles promote DT Justin Hamilton from practice squad, waive S Trae Elston

Hamilton provides defensive tackle depth with Fletcher Cox, Destiny Vaeao out

Eagles' defensive tackle Justin Hamilton (left) and defensive end Chris Long (right) stop Buffalo Bills' running back Jonathan Williams during the second-quarter in a preseason game on Thursday, August 17, 2017 in Philadelphia. YONG KIM / Staff Photographer
Eagles' defensive tackle Justin Hamilton (left) and defensive end Chris Long (right) stop Buffalo Bills' running back Jonathan Williams during the second-quarter in a preseason game on Thursday, August 17, 2017 in Philadelphia. YONG KIM / Staff PhotographerRead moreYong Kim

The Eagles promoted defensive tackle Justin Hamilton from practice squad to the active roster on Saturday and waived safety Trae Elston. Hamilton gives the Eagles more depth at defensive tackle for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers because both Fletcher Cox and Destiny Vaeao are out.

Hamilton, 24, spent the offseason with the Eagles and had been on the offseason rosters or practice squads of three teams before coming to Philadelphia. The 6-2, 315-pound Louisiana-Lafayette product went undrafted in 2015. The Eagles liked him this summer, and they could use him as the fourth defensive tackle on Sunday. The team prefers having a four-man rotation at both defensive end and defensive tackle. Defensive ends Vinny Curry and Brandon Graham can also move inside on passing downs.

Elston joined the Eagles last week when safety was more of a concern. Rodney McLeod is questionable for Sunday's game but is expected to play, so the Eagles have Malcolm Jenkins, McLeod, and Chris Maragos at that position even with Corey Graham and Jaylen Watkins injured.