Hassan

Ridgeway

This will open up a 21-day practice window for Ridgeway, who was signed by Houston in March. A veteran defensive tackle who broke into the league in 2016 with the Colts, Ridgeway has appeared in double-digit games just twice over the last five seasons but formerly played for Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans when the two were in San Francisco. He will provide valuable depth in the interior of the defensive line when he’s able to return to the field.

Ridgeway is set to reunite with Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans after the two spent last season together in San Francisco. A veteran defensive tackle who broke into the league in 2016 with the Colts, Ridgeway has appeared in double-digit games just twice over the last five seasons. Still, he’s a familiar face for Ryans and the re-tooling Texans and can serve as a run stopper for this upcoming season.

The 49ers signed Ridgeway to a one-year, $2.5 million deal this offseason after the veteran defensive tackle enjoyed a full-healthy 2021 season -- his first full season since 2016. Now, head coach Kyle Shanahan said he expects Ridgeway to miss some time with a quad injury suffered in camp. San Fran is already dealing with injuries along the defensive line, with Arik Armstead (MCL) already expected to miss a few weeks, and Maurice Hurst (torn biceps) potentially being done for the season.

Ridgeway’s contract features $1 million in guaranteed money. The veteran defensive lineman is coming off his first full season since 2016. Injuries limited Ridgeway to 19 games from 2017 to 2020. He appeared on roughly a third of the Eagles’ defensive snaps last year, picking up two sacks and one TFL. Ridgeway also offers utility as a special teams contributor. He will play a reserve role for the 49ers in 2022.

The Eagles now have just three running backs on their roster: Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, and Kenny Gainwell. The Eagles also waived/released DB Andrew Adams, OT Le’Raven Clark, DL Hassan Ridgeway, TE Richard Rodgers, DB Kevon Seymour, DB Grayland Arnold, OG Kayode Awosika, WR Travis Fulgham, WR John Hightower, RB Jason Huntley, DB Craig James, DL Matt Leo, OG Iosua Opeta, WR Andre Patton, C Ross Pierschbacher, DB Elijah Riley, S JaCoby Stevens, and DL Raequan Williams.

It’s possible the team only brought back Ridgeway because he’s familiar with DC Jon Gannon’s scheme from their overlap in Indianapolis in 2018. Ridgeway, 26, has still missed 18 games in his two seasons in Philly, making him a risky bet if the Eagles envision him as a dependable option. He’ll rotate as a fourth defensive tackle if healthy.

He’ll be moved to season-ending injured reserve after appearing in all seven of Philadelphia’s games this year. Ridgeway exited as the Eagles’ highest graded interior defender (via Pro Football Focus) on Thursday and will clearly be missed in the trenches. T.Y. McGill is expected to rotate as the team’s fourth defensive tackle moving forward.

Ridgeway spent three years with the Colts from 2016-2018 before playing seven games for the Eagles in 2019. He racked up two sacks and four tackles for a loss in five starts. Look for Ridgeway to continue to provide quality depth for this front seven in 2020 and potentially beyond.

Ridgeway has a big body in the interior and was playing over half of the defensive snaps this season. The Eagles have lost multiple starters due to injury this season and Ridgeway’s absence will put even more pressure on Fletcher Cox.

Ridgeway has started the last five weeks and was playing heavy snaps after the early-season injuries to DTs Malik Jackson and Tim Jernigan. This defensive interior has been depleted of its depth. The Eagles signed two rookie UDFAs earlier this week.