Mardy

Gilyard

He didn’t make it a week on the roster. The 99th overall pick in the 2010 draft by the Rams, Gilyard has now been given up on by two teams in two years.

Ex-Titans DE Jacob Ford is also getting a look. The Eagles are likely just updating their emergency list. They are deep at wideout as Steve Smith is getting healthier and talented Riley Cooper isn’t even seeing the field.

Not including free agents DeSean Jackson and Steve Smith, the Eagles now have seven receivers on their roster. Gilyard, a fourth-round pick in 2010, was out of the league in 2011 after spending time with the Rams and Jets over the summer.

Gilyard just doesn’t have the skills to be anything more than a fringe player. He’s 5'11/194 and runs in the 4.5s.

Both Clyde Gates and Chaz Schilens suffered concussions in the loss to the Patriots last week. Jeremy Kerley (heel, hamstring) was not at practice on Monday. Gilyard will add depth to the banged up wide receiver corps and could take over punt returns. OG Hayworth Hicks was waived in a corresponding move.

Gilyard got hurt while playing on special teams and pulled up pretty lame. His absence could mean some punt return opportunities for DeSean Jackson.

Damaris Johnson is expected to handle punt returns with Gilyard out. Hunt is a healthy scratch for the first time this season.

Mardy Gilyard had taken over for an ineffective Johnson, but he’s battling a hamstring injury this week. Johnson averaged just 6.0 yards per on eight early-season returns.

The need for Gilyard doesn’t bode well for Jeremy Maclin’s Week 2 status after coming down with a hip flexor in the opener. Jason Avant is also dealing with a wrist injury. Gilyard is a fringe roster player coming off a strong August with the Eagles. He will be last on the depth chart at wide receiver.

Gilyard pulled his hamstring during the Week 8 loss to the Falcons. Look for rookie Damaris Johnson to handle the majority of punt returns against the Cowboys this week. DeSean Jackson is also an option in certain situations.