Khari Blasingame, a seasoned NFL fullback, has officially joined the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad. The Eagles made this move ahead of their Week 14 clash with the Carolina Panthers, amidst several roster adjustments. This comes as Philadelphia deals with mounting injuries across key positions, particularly at wide receiver and tight end.
Eagles’ Recent Roster Adjustments
On December 2, the Eagles waived wide receiver Parris Campbell. The following day, they released John Ross, another wideout, from the practice squad. This created room for Blasingame, who was let go by the Chicago Bears in late October. These changes reflect Philadelphia’s efforts to bolster their roster while managing injury-related challenges.
Blasingame joins a practice squad that now includes players such as linebacker Ochaun Mathis, defensive end Tarron Jackson, defensive back Tariq Castro-Fields, wide receiver Danny Gray, and tight end E.J. Jenkins, among others. This diverse mix provides depth in multiple areas, but Blasingame’s signing highlights a focus on shoring up special teams and blocking roles.
Wide Receiver Depth Concerns
The Eagles are currently navigating injuries to their receiving corps. Standout WR2 DeVonta Smith and promising rookie Johnny Wilson are both dealing with hamstring issues. This situation makes the release of Campbell, who had modest contributions this season (six catches for 30 yards and one touchdown), somewhat surprising. Although his role was limited, Campbell could have provided additional support given the team’s current predicament.
Meanwhile, Ross, a former first-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017, has struggled to find a foothold with the Eagles. After being released during final roster cuts in August, he rejoined the team on the practice squad but landed on the injured list in October. His limited impact—one game played and a single six-yard reception—makes his departure less surprising.
Tight End Struggles Add to the Challenge
Injuries at tight end have further complicated the Eagles’ situation. Starter Dallas Goedert is reportedly facing a potential stint on short-term injured reserve due to a knee injury, while versatile tight end-fullback hybrid Ben VanSumeren is out for the season with his own knee issue. This is where Blasingame is expected to contribute meaningfully.
What Khari Blasingame Brings to Philadelphia
Blasingame, though not a statistical standout, offers reliability and versatility. Since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019, he has played for the Minnesota Vikings, Tennessee Titans, and Chicago Bears. Over six seasons, he has appeared in 66 games, recording 11 carries for 32 yards and 13 receptions for 99 yards. His primary value lies in his blocking and special teams capabilities.
Blasingame has logged 687 offensive snaps and 860 special teams snaps during his career. He proved his worth in Tennessee, where he was a dependable blocker and a key contributor on special teams. After signing a two-year extension with the Bears in 2023, his release earlier this season came as a surprise, but it opened the door for his arrival in Philadelphia.
Immediate Role and Expectations of Khari Blasingame
With VanSumeren sidelined, Blasingame’s skill set aligns well with the Eagles’ current needs. His ability to block effectively and contribute on special teams makes him a strong candidate for an active roster call-up in the near future. While the Eagles navigate their injury woes and prepare for a critical playoff push, Blasingame’s experience could prove invaluable.
As Philadelphia heads into Week 14 with key players sidelined, Blasingame’s addition reflects the team’s proactive approach to maintaining depth and addressing immediate needs. His tenure with the Eagles may not be long-term, but his role in the short term could be pivotal.
