Eagles Make Roster Shake-Up: Defender Mekhi Garner Waived After Cowboys Game

In a strategic roster adjustment, the Philadelphia Eagles have made a notable move, waiving undrafted rookie cornerback Mekhi Garner. This decision comes shortly after Garner saw action in the Eagles' high-stakes Week 14 clash against the Dallas Cowboys, marking his second appearance in an NFL regular season game.

Garner, a promising talent out of LSU, initially joined the Eagles as an undrafted free agent.

He had been a consistent presence on the team's practice squad, patiently working his way towards an opportunity on the active roster. His activation for the crucial game against the Cowboys underscored the team's trust in his abilities and depth, even if his playing time was limited to special teams.

The move to waive Garner was made to create an open spot on the 53-man roster, which was promptly filled by quarterback Tanner McKee.

McKee, a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft from Stanford, had also been on the practice squad. While the Eagles have Jalen Hurts firmly entrenched as their starter and Marcus Mariota as the primary backup, bringing McKee to the active roster adds another layer of depth and development to the quarterback room.

For players like Garner, the NFL landscape is often a dynamic and challenging one, with roster spots constantly shifting.

Undrafted free agents face an uphill battle, and while being waived can be a setback, it doesn't necessarily signify the end of a player's journey. Many find new homes or return to practice squads, continuing to fight for their place in the league.

This roster shuffle highlights the intricate decisions NFL teams face throughout the season, balancing immediate needs with long-term development and strategic depth.

As the Eagles push towards the playoffs, every roster move is meticulously calculated to optimize their chances of success.