Well, well, well, look who’s back in the NFL spotlight! The Philadelphia Eagles just snagged former Notre Dame star Audric Estime for their practice squad. After a competitive stint with the Broncos, Estime is ready for a new chapter. Will this move be a hidden gem for the Eagles’ already stacked backfield?
The Philadelphia Eagles have made a significant roster move, officially signing former Notre Dame standout running back Audric Estime to their practice squad, capitalizing on recent NFL roster cuts across the league. This acquisition signals a strategic play by Philadelphia to potentially nurture new talent within their system and enhance their offensive depth.
Estime, a highly-touted prospect from Notre Dame, entered the professional ranks last season after being selected by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. During his collegiate career, he consistently demonstrated his powerful running style and knack for finding the end zone, making him a recognizable name in college football circles with impressive performances that captured national attention.
Despite a promising training camp and preseason, Estime faced stiff competition within a crowded Denver running back room, ultimately leading to his release from the Broncos’ 53-man roster. Broncos head coach Sean Payton acknowledged Estime’s talent and potential, noting that such roster decisions are often a “combination of things” and that a player’s career is far from over in these situations. The presence of veteran additions and other draft picks significantly altered the competition landscape in Denver.
The Philadelphia Eagles themselves boast an incredibly talented running back corps, headlined by star acquisition Saquon Barkley, alongside promising talents like Will Shipley and A.J. Dillon. In this competitive environment, Audric Estime is expected to provide quality depth on the practice squad, offering another layer of security and potential for future activation should injuries or performance dictate. His skillset offers a different dimension to the existing group.
Before his NFL stint, Estime left an indelible mark at Notre Dame, racking up a combined 2,261 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns over his 2022 and 2023 seasons. His junior year was particularly spectacular, as he rushed for 1,341 yards and an impressive 18 touchdowns, setting a new program record for the Fighting Irish. These statistics underscore his capability as a productive and impactful offensive weapon.
The strategic use of the NFL practice squad is a vital component of team building, allowing franchises like the Philadelphia Eagles to retain and develop promising players who might not immediately fit into the active roster. For a player like Audric Estime, this opportunity provides valuable time to acclimate further to the professional game, learn the team’s system, and hone his skills under expert coaching, all while remaining readily available for promotion.
As Audric Estime begins this new chapter with the Philadelphia Eagles, all eyes will be on his development within the organization. While his immediate role is with the practice squad, his proven talent and impressive college record suggest he could become a valuable asset to the Eagles’ backfield in the long term, adding another layer of intrigue to their already potent offensive strategy. This move could prove to be a shrewd one for the NFC contenders.
