Logo

Eagles Part Ways With Breakout Rookie -"Injury Slams the Door on His NFL Future"

Philadelphia, PA – In the NFL, some stories flare for only a moment but leave a lasting echo. For the Philadelphia Eagles this summer, that name was Elijah Cooks.

From the very first days of training camp, Cooks quickly became a focal point. His height, long wingspan, and ability to haul in difficult catches had fans at the NovaCare Complex jumping out of their seats. An acrobatic grab in the red zone, a sideline catch over Adoree’ Jackson — each one planted hope in the hearts of Eagles fans that the team had just unearthed a hidden gem.

Head coach Nick Sirianni didn’t hesitate to praise him:

“He made a difference every time the ball touched his hands — that’s something you can’t coach. Those diving grabs in the scorching July heat, that’s Philly toughness. But sometimes this league is cruel, and that injury might have crushed his NFL dream. I’m grateful for everything he gave us, and I wish him nothing but the best.”

But the harsh reality of the NFL soon came knocking. In the preseason opener against the Bengals, Cooks suffered a serious shoulder injury, carted off the field before halftime. That fall didn’t just silence the stadium — it nearly closed the door on his shot at cracking the Eagles’ final 53-man roster.

Despite his memorable flashes in camp, Elijah Cooks ultimately had to say goodbye to Philadelphia. The decision came down to a wide receiver room overcrowded and fiercely competitive — where every spot demands weekly reliability, not just brief sparks of brilliance.

For Eagles fans, though, the image of Cooks diving through the scorching July heat to make a catch will remain. A reminder that football isn’t just about the stars, but also about those fighting on the razor’s edge between dream and reality.

Elijah Cooks leaves Philadelphia, but the moments he gave us will live on in the memories of Eagles fans — a testament to the unrelenting spirit of dreaming and fighting in the City of Brotherly Love.

Steelers Add Two Former Packers Fan Favorites to Practice Squad To Strengthen Defense Ahead Of Browns Game
  PITTSBURGH – On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed two linebackers formerly with the Green Bay Packers for a workout session. The players invited were Michael Barrett and Isaiah Simmons, as the team looks to bolster its defensive unit ahead of upcoming games. Isaiah Simmons, selected as the 8th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson, has appeared in 84 games. He has recorded 329 tackles (226 solo, 103 assisted), 8.5 sacks (74 yards), 5 interceptions (127 yards), 2 interception touchdowns, 9 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. Simmons, who briefly signed with the Packers in 2025 but didn’t make the final roster, is known for his versatility and impressive speed. Michael Barrett, a 7th-round pick (240th overall) by the Carolina Panthers in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Michigan, has limited NFL experience. He has appeared in a few games on practice squads with teams like the Packers and Browns but has yet to record significant stats (0 tackles, sacks, or interceptions). At Michigan, Barrett had a standout final college season with 65 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. Alex Highsmith, a key linebacker for the Steelers, suffered a high ankle sprain during the team’s Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on September 14, 2025. The injury sidelined him for Weeks 3 and 4, with an estimated recovery time of 4-6 weeks. While Highsmith was not placed on injured reserve to maintain roster flexibility, he is still recovering post-bye week and expected to return soon. However, the Steelers are seeking temporary replacements for the edge rusher position. The workouts with Barrett and Simmons reflect head coach Mike Tomlin’s cautious approach to adding depth to the defense, especially after releasing Ja’Whaun Bentley and losing Jon Rhattigan to the Raiders. Simmons, with his experience and athleticism, could be an ideal short-term option to support T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig. The Steelers have not yet announced any contract decisions regarding the two linebackers. SOURCE: https://x.com/FarabaughFB/status/1976031373946388722