The Philadelphia Eagles made a bold move on Saturday by elevating Zach Ertz and John Ojukwu from the practice squad ahead of Sunday’s matchup in London. This decision signals a clear shift in strategy as the team prepares to face the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The roster changes come just days after the team lost key veterans and saw injuries pile up on the offensive line.
Ertz is not just a familiar face; he is the only starter from the 2018 London victory who remains on the Eagles roster today. A victory concluded that game, where Ertz secured four receptions totaling 26 yards plus a touchdown at that time.
Now, he is looking to close in on a major milestone. With 582 receptions as an Eagle, he sits just eight catches away from breaking the all-time franchise record held by Harold Carmichael, according to the Philadelphia Eagles.
A Line Shaken by Losses
The offensive line looks completely different this week compared to just last month. Tackle Lane Johnson retired on Tuesday, leaving a massive hole at right tackle. The team also traded center/guard Cam Jurgens on Wednesday, a move that forces them to reshuffle their interior players. Yahoo Sports reported that Jake Majors joined the active roster on Friday because center Drew Kendall suffers a knee injury, worsening the situation.
John Ojukwu steps in to provide insurance for this battered unit. Boise State produced this 309-pound, 6-foot-5 tackle, who prepares for his first appearance with the Eagles. He played in 16 games from 2023 through 2025 after joining the Titans as a rookie free agent.
According to the Philadelphia Eagles, he began four contests and utilized almost 25 percent of offensive snaps during 2024. His presence is vital as the team adjusts to these sudden personnel losses.
Chasing History in a Tough Spot
Zach Ertz has been active for the last two games since returning to Philadelphia on September 22. He accumulated 22 yards on three receptions across 32 offensive snaps during that period. This marks the third week in a row he has been elevated from the practice squad for game day, per RotoBaller NFL. He is the clear veteran leader needed to steady the passing game while the line gets its footing.
Tight end Dallas Goedert is also returning from a two-week absence on Sunday, which gives the offense more options. The team enters Week 5 with a 2-2 record and is desperate to end a two-game losing streak, according to Yahoo Sports. They must navigate a reshuffled offensive line without their most experienced players to get back on track.
The Eagles have added depth elsewhere too, signing running back Carson Steele as Saquon Barkley remains ruled out with a hamstring injury. On Friday, Andy Dalton was released while defensive tackle Uar Bernard moved to the practice squad injured list.
These moves show a roster in flux, trying to find answers before the flight to London. The success of this game will depend on how well these new pieces can hold up against a Jaguars defense looking to exploit a weakened front.