The Philadelphia Eagles are adjusting a couple of things in tandem with the roster addition of Shaquille Leonard.
As stated on Wednesday, December 6, the Eagles of Philadelphia have decided to release linebacker Christian Elliss. The 24-year-old began during the team’s 42-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 14, thus the move is unexpected.
“The Eagles have waived linebacker Christian Elliss from the active roster,” writes Owen Boyle of the Eagles’ official website. “In 12 games this season, Elliss has 16 tackles, two tackles for loss, and one quarterback pressure. The 24-year-old made his first career start in Week 13 against the San Francisco 49ers. The undrafted free agent joined the organization in 2021 after being waived by the Minnesota Vikings. Elliss made 26 tackles in 19 games with the Eagles.”
Elliss played in 75% of the defensive snaps and recorded six combined tackles in his first career start versus San Francisco. After Zach Cunningham’s injury the week before, he played in 28% of the defensive snaps in the Eagles’ 37-34 victory over the Buffalo Bills.
Cunningham is anticipated to return for the Dallas Cowboys game this week, though. Elliss became the odd man out when Leonard signed and he returned.
Over the course of his career with the Eagles, Elliss had seen the majority of his playing time on special teams, appearing in 87% of the special teams snaps in 2021, 62% of the special teams snaps in 2022 and 76% of the special team snaps this season