Philadelphia Eagles Activate Jakorian Bennett’s Practice Window, Add Sua Opeta for Depth Ahead of Week 8

The Philadelphia Eagles are shaking things up as they prepare for their crucial Week 8 matchup against the New York Giants. On Wednesday, the team announced two roster moves that could have an immediate impact on both sides of the ball: opening the practice window for cornerback Jakorian Bennett and re-signing veteran guard Sua Opeta to the practice squad.

These are not blockbuster moves on the surface — but for a team looking to stabilize after weeks of roster shuffling and injuries, they could prove quietly significant.

🏈 Bennett’s Return: Hope for a Stabilized Secondary

The headline news out of South Philadelphia is the return of Jakorian Bennett, the rookie cornerback whose season was interrupted by injury just as he was beginning to find his footing in the defense.

The Eagles officially opened Bennett’s 21-day practice window, allowing him to return to team activities and potentially rejoin the active roster within three weeks. Whether he plays this Sunday against the Giants remains uncertain, but his return to practice is a major step in the right direction.

“We’re going to see how he looks once he gets back into the flow,” said Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio during his Tuesday press conference. “He’s a competitor, and he’ll get a chance to show us where he’s at physically and mentally.”

Before his injury, Bennett had seen limited snaps, making it difficult for the coaching staff to fully assess his fit in Fangio’s system. But his athleticism and speed stood out during training camp and preseason, where he showed flashes of potential as an outside corner capable of holding his own against NFL receivers.

Now, with the Eagles’ cornerback group battling inconsistency and injuries, Bennett’s timing couldn’t be better.

🩹 Eagles’ Secondary: Searching for Consistency

It’s no secret that the Eagles’ secondary has been a revolving door this season. Between injuries to key starters and the constant need for mid-game adjustments, Fangio’s defense has yet to find a rhythm.

Veteran Darius Slay has been reliable when healthy, but the CB2 spot opposite him has been a challenge. The team has cycled through combinations including Josh Jobe, Kelee Ringo, and Eli Ricks, each showing flashes but also moments of inexperience.

“It’s tough when you can’t settle on a consistent rotation,” Fangio admitted. “You want guys to build chemistry, communicate, and understand leverage together. But that’s hard to do when injuries keep reshuffling the lineup.”

The Eagles currently rank middle of the pack in pass defense — solid, but not dominant. Opponents have targeted mismatches on the outside, particularly when Slay shadows a team’s top receiver and the other corner is left exposed.

That’s why Bennett’s return could be so important. Though still unproven, his physical tools — speed, length, and fluid hips — make him one of the more intriguing young corners on the roster. Fangio has hinted that once Bennett is fully healthy, he’ll get an opportunity to compete directly for the CB2 role.

“He didn’t get enough snaps earlier in the year for us to really know what he can do,” Fangio said. “But when he’s ready, we’re going to give him a fair shot.”

🦅 Sua Opeta Returns: Depth and Familiarity for a Banged-Up O-Line

On the offensive side of the ball, the Eagles are welcoming back a familiar face in Sua Opeta, who has re-signed to the practice squad.

Opeta, 27, spent multiple seasons in Philadelphia before brief stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he landed on injured reserve in 2024. After being released earlier this month, he’s now returning to a team that knows him well — and one that could use his experience.

The Eagles’ offensive line, typically one of the best in the league, has quietly been dealing with a rash of injuries and depth concerns. Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen, and Lane Johnson have all missed practice time or played through lingering issues this season.

By bringing Opeta back, the Eagles gain a player who understands the system, can play both guard spots, and brings physicality to a unit that prides itself on toughness.

“Sua knows what we’re about,” said head coach Nick Sirianni. “He’s been here before, he knows our culture, and he’s someone who can step in and contribute if needed.”

Opeta’s familiarity with offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland’s schemes makes him a valuable plug-and-play option. He’s appeared in 29 games over his career (with five starts) and has been praised for his work ethic and versatility.

⚙️ Strategic Timing: Preparing for a Physical Rivalry Game

The timing of these roster moves is no coincidence. The Eagles face the New York Giants this Sunday — a divisional matchup that always comes with physical play and emotional intensity.

The Giants, despite their struggles this season, boast a fierce defensive front led by Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux, both of whom can disrupt an offense if left unchecked. Reinforcing the offensive line depth with a player like Opeta ensures the Eagles can weather any in-game injuries or fatigue.

Meanwhile, on defense, the potential return of Bennett gives Fangio another option against a Giants passing game that, while inconsistent, has shown flashes with Daniel Jones under center and Wan’Dale Robinson emerging as a go-to target.

“We have to be ready for anything,” Sirianni said. “Division games are always unpredictable, and you want to have every piece you can available.”

🧩 What Comes Next: 21 Days and Key Decisions

For now, the Eagles have 21 days to decide whether to activate Jakorian Bennett to the 53-man roster. During that time, he can practice without counting against the roster limit, allowing the coaching staff to evaluate his readiness.

If he’s not activated within that window, Bennett would revert to injured reserve for the remainder of the season — though signs point toward optimism about his recovery.

The team also continues to monitor the health of its offensive line and secondary, which have been focal points in the first half of the season. With a 5–2 record, the Eagles remain firmly in control of their NFC playoff destiny, but staying healthy and deep is key to maintaining that edge.

💬 Fan Reaction: Hope and Realism

Among Eagles fans, the news has sparked cautious excitement. Many see Bennett as a potential long-term answer at cornerback, while others simply appreciate the team’s proactive approach to managing depth.

“If Bennett can play even 80% of what we saw in camp, he’ll be an upgrade,” one fan posted on Reddit’s r/Eagles. “And getting Opeta back means we’re one injury away from solid, not scrambling.”

The general sentiment is clear: these moves might not dominate headlines, but they matter. In a long NFL season, depth, health, and timing often make the difference between good and great teams.

🦅 Final Thoughts

The Eagles’ roster moves this week — activating Jakorian Bennett’s practice window and re-signing Sua Opeta — reflect a team that’s both preparing for the grind ahead and fine-tuning its foundation.

Bennett represents the promise of youth and potential at a position in flux. Opeta brings experience and stability to a battle-tested offensive line.

Neither move guarantees immediate fireworks, but in a sport defined by attrition, they could quietly shape the Eagles’ success down the stretch.

With the Giants looming in Week 8, Philadelphia is doing what smart teams do best: staying ready, staying deep, and staying dangerous. 🦅💚