Eagles Re-Sign CB ‘Special Teams Ace’ to Practice Squad After Release — Rookie Sleeper OL Cut to Make Room
Philadelphia, PA – September 3, 2025
The Eagles made a bittersweet roster move just days before Week 1. A familiar face has returned to the practice squad, but the addition came at a surprising cost.
The team announced the re-signing of a young cornerback who previously spent two seasons in Philadelphia. His return strengthens depth in the secondary and bolsters a special teams unit that values experience.
That player is Eli Ricks, who brings back his 21 tackles across 23 career games in midnight green. He impressed in camp but was caught in a roster squeeze after the Jakorian Bennett trade.
The decision to bring him back meant the Eagles had to part ways with rookie offensive lineman Hollin Pierce. The undrafted Rutgers product had become a preseason favorite among fans and media.
We've signed CB Eli Ricks to the practice squad and released OL Hollin Pierce. pic.twitter.com/048kYcVMgy
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 3, 2025
At 6-foot-8 and 341 pounds, Pierce showcased the kind of raw tools offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland dreams of molding. Many even compared his upside to a young Jordan Mailata.
But with roster gymnastics always in motion, the Eagles chose to prioritize Ricks’ experience and versatility on coverage units. His ability to step in immediately made him too valuable to pass up.
For Pierce, the cut stings. Yet insiders believe this may not be the end, with optimism he could return once the team shuffles its practice squad again.
The Eagles now feature three cornerbacks on the practice squad, with Ricks joining Parry Nickerson and Brandon Jackson. It’s a sign the team is preparing insurance for any secondary setbacks.
As Philadelphia gears up for a massive Week 1 clash, this move highlights the balancing act of NFL roster building — choosing between a proven contributor and a long-term developmental project.
North Carolina Police Arrest Suspect After Explosives Found at Panthers Stadium Parking Lot During Loss to Steelers
Published August 22, 2025
Authorities in North Carolina arrested a man who allegedly brought explosives to the parking lot of Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte during the Carolina Panthers’ 19-10 preseason loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Cameron Lee Smith of Washington, North Carolina, was charged with possession of a weapon of mass destruction, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and carrying a concealed gun, officials confirmed.
According to police, the incident unfolded around 7:30 p.m. Saturday, shortly after kickoff. Stadium security spotted Smith slumped over in his vehicle inside a restricted parking area and called for law enforcement assistance.
When deputies approached, they observed drug paraphernalia in plain sight. Upon further search, authorities found a handgun, crystal meth, and what appeared to be multiple explosive devices inside the vehicle.
The area was immediately secured, with fans and vehicles redirected away from the affected section of the lot. Emergency services and bomb technicians, including U.S. Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, were called in to neutralize the scene.
Businesses nearby and parts of the stadium complex were temporarily shut down as a precaution. No injuries were reported, and the game itself continued under heightened security presence.
Later that evening, a search of Smith’s residence reportedly uncovered a homemade military-grade grenade, as well as another device dating back to World War I or World War II, raising additional alarm about his intent.
Smith was transported to the Mecklenburg County Detention Center, where he is being held without bond. Officials praised stadium security and local law enforcement for quick actions that prevented a potentially dangerous situation.
