Since NFL teams began forming their practice squads on Wednesday, many players returned to the clubs that had waived or released them on Tuesday. However, a few exceptions occurred, including four players from Alabama high schools and colleges who found new teams on Thursday.
Former Alabama cornerback Josh Jobe, waived by the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday, joined the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad on Thursday. The Cincinnati Bengals added guard Tashawn Manning and defensive tackle Justin Rogers to their practice squad after the Auburn alumni were waived by the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys, respectively, on Tuesday. Former Alabama tight end Cameron Latu, released by the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday, joined the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad on Thursday.
On Thursday, several players with Alabama football ties returned to the practice squads of the teams that cut them earlier in the week, including:
– Anthony Averett, cornerback (Alabama), Pittsburgh Steelers
– Marcus Banks, safety (Alabama), Tampa Bay Buccaneers
– Zyon Gilbert, cornerback (Jeff Davis), Pittsburgh Steelers
– Avery Jones, guard (Auburn), Tampa Bay Buccaneers
– Carl Lawson, defensive end (Auburn), Dallas Cowboys
– D.J. Williams, running back (Auburn), Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Meanwhile, former UAB running back DeWayne McBride was released from the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad on Thursday after signing on Wednesday. Additionally, former Madison Academy star Jordan Matthews left an NFL practice squad on Thursday as the Carolina Panthers promoted the tight end to their 53-man active roster following an injured-reserve opening.
Jobe joined the Eagles as an undrafted rookie in 2022 and played in 28 regular-season games and four playoff games over two seasons. Last season, he started three games and was Philadelphia’s most active special-teams player, making two tackles in the Eagles’ 20-17 victory over Seattle on December 18.
Manning signed with the Ravens as an undrafted rookie in 2023 after playing one season at Kentucky, spending the year on Baltimore’s practice squad. Rogers was drafted by the Cowboys in the seventh round of the NFL Draft on April 27. Latu was a third-round pick by the 49ers in 2023 but missed the season due to a preseason injury and spent the year on injured reserve.
