Philadelphia Eagles Waive Developmental Defenders Uar Bernard, Joshua Weru The Philadelphia Eagles waived defensive tackle Uar Bernard and outside linebacker Joshua Weru as part of their 53-man roster reductions, according to Brooks Kubena of The Athletic. The moves came as the team finalized its roster ahead of the regular season. Bernard, a seventh-round draft pick, and Weru, an undrafted rookie, joined the Eagles through unique pathways and were viewed as long-term projects rather than immediate contributors. Both players had no prior experience in organized football before entering the NFL, having begun their athletic careers in other sports. Bernard, a Nigerian defensive tackle, entered the league via the International Player Pathway program. He had drawn attention prior to the draft for his combination of size, speed, and explosiveness despite lacking traditional football experience. Weru, a Kenyan outside linebacker, had played rugby before transitioning to American football. His athleticism and speed occasionally surfaced during preseason games, particularly when he pressured quarterbacks in open space. However, neither player demonstrated enough consistency to secure a spot on the defensive front, which is designed to compete in the short term. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio acknowledged during training camp that both players required significant development. The Eagles did not expect them to contribute immediately, focusing instead on their potential for long-term growth. Bernard’s physical traits made him a compelling project, while Weru’s flashes of ability suggested raw potential. However, their inconsistent performances during the camp and early season led to their release. Both players are now available to the rest of the league through the waiver wire.#philadelphia_eagles #vic_fangio #uar_bernard #joshua_weru #international_player_pathway
Eagles Waive International Prospects Uar Bernard and Joshua Weru The Philadelphia Eagles made the decision to waive both of their international players, Uar Bernard and Joshua Weru, as part of their effort to reduce their roster to the 53-man limit ahead of the deadline. The move, announced on Sunday, marks the end of a developmental journey for the two prospects, who were part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) program. Bernard, a Nigerian defensive tackle, and Weru, a Kenyan edge rusher, were not included in the team’s initial 53-man roster, despite showing promise during training camp and the preseason. Bernard and Weru were among the top talents identified through the IPP initiative, which aims to integrate international players into the NFL. Bernard, selected with a seventh-round pick, demonstrated raw athleticism during the pre-draft process, though his transition to American football remains in progress. Weru, considered the second-best player from the IPP this year, appeared closer to contributing, with his skills as an edge rusher catching the attention of coaches. However, the Eagles opted to cut ties with both players, citing the need to streamline their roster. The decision to waive the two prospects was met with some surprise, as the Eagles had invested significant time and resources into their development. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio acknowledged their potential but tempered expectations, noting that both players are still in the early stages of adapting to the NFL. “They’re doing fine, but they’ve got a long way to go,” Fangio said earlier this month. Head coach Nick Sirianni also praised their efforts, highlighting the team’s positive interactions with the players during training camp.#philadelphia_eagles #nick_sirianni #uar_bernard #joshua_weru #international_player_pathway
