November 30, 2023   2 MIN READ

Birds Sign PSQ Linebacker

Ben VanSumeren To Back Up Vs. 49ers

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With free-agent linebacker Shaq Leonard undecided on his next employer, the Eagles on Thursday signed practice-squad linebacker Ben VanSumeren to the 53-man roster.

VanSumeren, an undrafted rookie from Michigan State, was out of elevations after playing in the past three games on special teams.

Ben VanSumeren

GETTY IMAGES: Eagles rookie LB Ben VanSumeren has been signed to the 53.

Van Sumeren hasn’t played a single snap of defense in his three games but becomes the team’s top backup linebacker with Christian Elliss expected to start in place of an injured Zach Cunningham, who’s nursing a hamstring injury and unlikely to play Sunday against the 49ers.

Leonard, the former Colts linebacker and three-time All Pro, took visits to the Cowboys and Eagles this week, but reportedly will take some time before making his decision.

The Eagles already had one spot open on their 53-man roster to accommodate VanSumeren’s signing but they also made moves on the practice squad, waiving

Also, the Eagles waived wide receiver Greg Ward from the practice squad and filled their two practice squad vacancies with former Commanders wide receiver Cam Sims and defensive back/slot corner Josiah Scott.

Sims played alongside Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts at Alabama.

– Geoff Mosher (@geoffmoshernfl) is co-host of the “Inside the Birds” podcast and staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com.

About The Author

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Geoff Mosher is an award-winning journalist with more than 20 years experience covering the Eagles, the NFL and other college and pro sports across several different multimedia platforms. He is co-host of the acclaimed Inside the Birds podcast, the leading podcast for intel on the Philadelphia Eagles, and co-host on 97.3 ESPN's drive-time show. He has also hosted on Philadelphia's sports-talk station, 94.1 WIP and 97.5 The Fanatic. Geoff was the lead Eagles Insider from 2012-2015 for NBC Sports Philadelphia, where he wrote for the website and appeared daily on the station's TV shows, including Quick Slants, Philly Sports Talk, Eagles Pregame/Postgame Live and Eagles Extra. Prior to joining NBC Sports, Geoff worked the Eagles beat from 2005-2012 for the Wilmington News Journal, where he broke several major news stories and also won an Associated Press Sports Editors award under the category of Breaking News for his coverage of the sudden death of Phillies play by play broadcaster Harry Kalas. Geoff has appeared on ESPN's SportsCenter, NFL Network, NBC Sports Network, FOX29, 6ABC and has conducted interviews for Sirius/XM NFL radio and countless other radio stations across the country.

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