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
New England Patriots Impress Philadelphia Eagles’ Defensive Coordinator with Joint Practices The New England Patriots’ recent joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles have left a strong impression, according to Vic Fangio, the Eagles’ defensive coordinator. Fangio described the two sessions as “two of the most valuable days of training camp,” a statement that underscores the significance of the workouts for both teams. The practices, held in Foxboro before the teams faced off in their second preseason game, provided a unique opportunity for competitive evaluation without the pressure of a full game. Fangio, a veteran coach with nearly four decades of NFL experience, highlighted the value of facing a team with a dynamic offense and a deep roster. The Patriots, led by quarterback Drake Maye and wide receiver A.J. Brown, challenged the Eagles’ defense in ways that a regular preseason game might not. The Eagles, in turn, tested the Patriots’ offensive strategies, particularly during the second practice, when their defensive front and secondary disrupted New England’s rhythm. The back-and-forth nature of the sessions reflected the high level of competition, with both teams gaining critical insights into their opponents’ strengths and weaknesses. The first joint practice saw the Patriots’ offense at its peak, with Maye showcasing his ability to push the ball downfield. His throws to Brown, Romeo Doubs, and DeMario Douglas created explosive plays, earning praise from the Patriots’ official website, which called Maye “outstanding” during open-field drills. Maye’s precision, even under pressure, stood out, particularly on a difficult completion to Brown. However, the Eagles responded in the second session, with their defensive line generating more pressure and their secondary forcing turnovers.#philadelphia_eagles #aj_brown #new_england_patriots #drake_maye #vic_fangio
