John

Hightower

It’s the second year in a row the former fifth-rounder has been amongst the Eagles’ final cuts. Also waived/released were WR Devon Allen, C/G Jack Anderson, G/T Kayode Awosika, CB Josh Blackwell, RB Kennedy Brooks, S Andre Chachere, WR Britain Covey, LB Christian Elliss, CB Mario Goodrich, CB Tay Gowan, WR John Hightower, RB Jason Huntley, DE Matt Leo, CB Mac McCain, QB Reid Sinnett, LB JaCoby Stevens, QB Carson Strong, TE Noah Togiai, CB Kary Vincent, DT Marvin Wilson, DT Renell Wren, WR Deon Cain, T Le’Raven Clark, S Anthony Harris, TE Richard Rodgers, S Jaquiski Tartt and C Cameron Tom.

With the Eagles adding a pair of first-round receivers to their roster over the past two years and Quez Watkins earning a starting gig, Hightower was always a longshot to make their roster. Geoff Mosher noted that Philly hopes to add him to their practice squad upon finalizing their roster.

Watkins delivered the highlight of the night with a screen pass that he took 79 yards to the house. Watkins was in with the starters and nearly had another long score on a pass from Jalen Hurts when he beat his man down the sideline, but the pass was overthrown. Watkins offers elite speed, and could emerge as a contributor this season after the 2020 sixth rounder spent most of last season behind John Hightower.

In September, Reagor was given a 6-8 week timetable after he had surgery to repair a torn UCL in his thumb. He could still be held out through the team’s Week 9 bye week. The emergence of Travis Fulgham -- and to a much lesser extent, John Hightower -- could complicate matters for Reagor upon his return. Reagor should be rostered in deeper leagues with multiple flex spots.

Hightower reeled in the 50-yarder, but had an ugly first quarter drop on what would have been a 47-yarder. It was one of a few egregious drops by Eagles pass catchers in Week 6. The rookie wideout saw four targets on the day, racking up a gaudy 130 air yards. Hightower leads the team with 413 air yards, meaning he’ll continue to be a highly volatile fantasy option. DeSean Jackson’s impending return to the Eagles lineup could limit Hightowers’ role in the offense.

Hightower, Travis Fulgham, and Greg Ward were the only Eagles wide receiver to see multiple targets in Week 4. Hightower was out-targeted by both. He’s not worth a roster spot in fantasy leagues unless his role unexpectedly increases in the coming weeks.

Greg Ward remains the only healthy regular part of the Eagles’ wideout rotation. Rookie John Hightower practiced in full Friday and shapes up to see ample playing time this week after leading the Eagles in wide receiver snaps last week against the Bengals. Ward, who caught 8-of-11 targets for 72 yards and a touchdown in Week 3, is the preferred fantasy option this week.

Hightower wasn’t listed on Wednesday’s injury report and his ailment is unclear. Hilariously, fifth-round rookie Hightower led the Eagles’ injury-ravaged receiver corps in Week 3 snaps but now not even he can get on the field. Individually, his injury is only relevant for deep-league desperados and hardcore DFS players, but holistically it means Carson Wentz could be even more short handed than initially feared.

It didn’t add up to much, as the rookie wideout ended with two receptions on three targets. Hightower also led the team’s wideouts with 50 pass routes. Greg Ward, who commanded 11 targets, ran 46 routes. Jalen Reagor is going to miss the next month or so and DeSean Jackson left Sunday’s game early with a hamstring injury. Hightower could be the team’s WR2 for at least the next couple weeks. Ward, meanwhile, is once again the Eagles’ unquestioned No. 1 receiver. Alshon Jeffrey could return for Week 5 and see an immediate role in the Eagles passing game.

First-round receiver Jalen Reagor is expected to miss the start of the season with a partially torn labrum. That opens up a spot as a starting receiver and Hightower could be the man for the job. McLane called him the offensive MVP of camp while noting his impressive hands and route running. Hightower profiles as an outside receiver and has the speed to out-run most corners. He posted a 4.43-second forty-yard dash and stands at 6'1. Hightower is a name to watch as a premium add off the waiver wire if he does end up starting Week 1.