Ben VanSumeren ruled out for Eagles on Sunday

Ben VanSumeren suffered a potential serious knee injury in practice, sidelining him for the Eagles

Former Michigan State football linebacker Ben VanSumeren has found himself a nice role in the National Football League with the Philadelphia Eagles. VanSumeren has taken on a role as a fullback in the NFL, and is someone that many have raved about in taking on his new role.

For the Eagles big time clash with the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, VanSumeren is going to be sidelined with an injury.

It sounds like the injury suffered by the former Spartan is a serious knee injury suffered in practice and it could be looking like a long term injury.

Eagles linebacker Ben VanSumeren to miss remainder of season with a knee injury

Eagles linebacker Ben VanSumeren to miss remainder of season with a knee injury in Friday’s practice

Ben VanSumeren had carved out a role as the Eagles’ fullback, reserve linebacker, and special teams standout, but his season is over after the second-year sensation suffered a knee injury at Friday’s practice.

DeVonta Smith will return to the lineup, while Darius Slay will be out with a concussion.

Although VanSumeren has not played a single snap on defense this season, he has carved out a role as a fullback on the offensive side of the ball. He’s also a major special teams contributor, having played 12 offensive snaps this season and 153 on special teams.

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Former Spartan gets NFL start

A former Spartan has gotten his first start after making a positional change

Michigan State football fans know Ben VanSumeren as a linebacker during his time in East Lansing. Now, forging an NFL career for himself, VanSumeren has found himself a role in the leeague.

Going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, VanSumeren landed a role with the Philadelphia Eagles. Starting his career mainly on special teams, VanSumeren recorded 16 tackles in nine games for the Eagles in 2023.

Now, the former Spartan has made the switch to the offensive side of the ball, where he will now play as a fullback. In the Eagles game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, VanSumeren got the start.

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Former MSU linebacker finding new life in NFL career as a fullback

A former MSU linebacker may have found a new long-term role as a fullback in the NFL

I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a fringe linebacker make a move to fullback and excel quite like former MSU linebacker Ben VanSumeren has this year for the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles definitely liked something about VanSumeren, as they kept him around the last few seasons, but this year, someone on the Eagles had the idea to use him as a fullback, and he has excelled in a big way.

VanSumeren has been credited with helping star running back Saquan Barkley break some huge runs, and he has shown some fantastic blocking skills out of the fullback position, something we don’t often see anymore in the pro game.

This account below, Last of the Fullbacks, broke down some of his excellent play in that position:

It’s always great to see a Spartan find a home in the NFL, but this story is awesome in a way that any football fan would likely appreciate.

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Former Spartans embrace MSU football coach Jonathan Smith

Two former Spartans shared a moment with Jonathan Smith after MSU’s win over Maryland:

Michigan State football is known for having a family community and atmosphere around the program. Even though Smith is in his first year with the program, and had not coached the players of the past, he is very open about having the former players back inside the building and around the program.

That sentiment showed true in College Park, when former Spartans Ben VanSumeren and Nick Samac were on MSU’s sidelines. After the game, they were spotted embracing a moment with coach Smith.

https://twitter.com/JimComparoni/status/1832617651421503644

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Former Michigan State football LB makes Philadelphia Eagles roster

BVS is getting another season with the Philadelphia Eagles

Ben VanSumeren had a very interesting college career, competing for both Michigan State and Michigan during his collegiate days. Now, the former Spartan will be competing in the National Football League for another season.

VanSumeren has survived final cuts and has made the Philadelphia Eagles 53-man roster.

After going undrafted in 2023, VanSumeren recorded 13 tackles for the Eagles in nine games.

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Updated Eagles’ 53-man roster projection ahead of preseason matchup vs. Patriots

Philadelphia is back at the NovaCare Complex for Week 3 of training camp and is starting to prepare for a joint practice and the second preseason matchup of the summer against New England. The Patriots hosted the Eagles for a joint practice session …

Philadelphia is back at the NovaCare Complex for Week 3 of training camp and is starting to prepare for a joint practice and the second preseason matchup of the summer against New England.

The Patriots hosted the Eagles for a joint practice session on Tuesday, August 13, before their preseason game on Thursday, August 15. Practice will begin at 10:30 AM, and gates will open to fans at 9:30 AM.

Philadelphia has increased the intensity of practice season after the 2023 collapse, and Thursday night’s matchup offers another chance to clarify several high-profile roster battles. Players on the bubble will look to create separation, and we will be watching to see which starters, if any, will play in the first quarter after an intense Tuesday session.

With the Eagles having defeated the Ravens and made three roster moves since last week, we’re unveiling the fourth 53-man roster prediction ahead of cutdown day and the regular season opener.

Hurts will look to reduce the turnovers under first-year OC Kellen Moore.

After being traded to the Eagles, the former Steelers first-round pick has been solid in training camp, but he’ll have to defeat Tanner McKee to maintain the backup job.

McKee would have to fall off the cliff to lose a roster spot to Will Grier, and he could rise up to the backup quarterback spot.

The former Penn State star has yet to play in the preseason.

Gainwell will enter Year 4 looking to lock down the backup running back spot.

The rookie is a jack of all trades and made his mark during his debut against the Ravens.

Smith is firmly entrenched as a ‘Batman’ after signing his 3-year, $75 million contract extension.

A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Johnny Wilson should be locked to make the final roster. Covey makes the roster over John Ross, and he’s still the best punt returner on the roster.

You can’t teach size, and Wilson makes the cut as the Eagles work to utilize his unique skill set.

Goedert will look to record his first 1,000-yard season.

Calcaterra is a capable pass catcher, and provides special teams depth.

Okwuegbunam Jr. had no role under former offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, and he’s done nothing to separate himself, opening things up for E.J. Jenkins as the third tight end. Armani Rogers is another player to watch.

Mailata signed a 3-year, $66 million contract extension and is one of the best left tackles in the NFL.

Dickerson signed a new 4-year, $98 million deal and is the best left guard and highest paid in the NFL.

Entering his third season, Jurgens will face enormous pressure after Jason Kelce announces his retirement.

Steen is under pressure, and it looks like Mekhi Becton will unseat him.

The All-Pro will play his first season without Jason Kelce and be called upon to anchor a retooled offensive line.

The big ticket offers potential, and he could earn the starting right guard spot.

Johnson is Mailata’s primary backup and can play both offensive tackle positions.

Matt Hennessy has done nothing to stand out over the first three weeks.

The rookie offensive guard will compete with Tyler Steen for the right guard spot and bring toughness to the roster.

The rookie from North Carolina State has outplayed Matt Hennessy.

Huff was essentially swapped for Haason Reddick, and he’ll be counted on to produce more than a situational ten sacks.

Sweat will play in the final year of his deal, and he’ll look to secure double-digit sacks.

Smith will see an uptick in snaps and should carve out a rotational pass-rusher role.

Graham will play his final season in Philadelphia before retiring.

The rookie linebacker will make the roster and will land a role as a situational pass rusher.

The pass rusher has always been stout on special teams, and his strip-sack in the preseason opener did not sway opinion.

The runner-up for the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year, Carter will see his snaps and accountability increase as Fletcher Cox retires.

Like Jalen Carter, the expectations will rise for the 3rd year defensive tackle.

Williams is entering the final year of his deal and could have a breakout season at defensive tackle.

The 2023 seventh-round pick will look to carve out a role alongside a stout defensive line.

Dean enters a critical third year and competes with multiple players, including rookie Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

The former Buccaneers linebacker could transform the Eagles’ defense if he can regain his 2020-2021 form.

Baun is already a favorite of DC Vic Fangio and could carve out a role in multiple positions.

Trotter Jr. will enter his rookie system with the perfect support system, and he flashed during the preseason opener.

The second-year linebacker has been consistent this summer. He’s a special teams standout who makes the roster ahead of Oren Burks.

Slay returns as the Eagles top cornerback, but at 33, he could be set for his final chance at winning a Super Bowl.

The rookie has been as good as advertised and should start at cornerback opposite Darius Slay.

The rookie from Iowa is listed as a cornerback and is dealing with a hamstring injury, but he’ll see snaps at every position. He could allow Philadelphia to carry one less safety and move on from Avonte Maddox.

Rodgers has returned to the gridiron after serving a one-year suspension and will compete for a role as cornerback and as the primary kick return specialist.

Ringo appears to be the more impactful player than Eli Ricks and will land a roster spot after impressive rookie development. He’ll battle Quinyon Mitchell for the starting cornerback spot opposite Darius Slay.

Special teams play is essential, and Jobe is one of the best gunners in the NFL.

Blankenship signed a two-year extension, and he’s developed into one of the top young safeties In the NFL.

Gardner-Johnson returns to Philadelphia after spending one season in Detroit, and he’ll bring swagger and big-play potential to Vic Fangio’s secondary.

Brown will start the season on the PUP list while rehabbing his torn ACL.

After not having Bradberry on our initial 53-man roster predictions, the Eagles’ newest safety could make the roster if he’s not traded in late summer. Sydney Brown starting camp on the PUP list could bode well for Bradberry’s future in Philadelphia.

The veteran cornerback can play in the slot and he can play safety, ensuring his role on the roster.

The All-Pro signed a four-year contract extension.

Top photos from the Eagles 16-13 win over Ravens in preseason opener

We’re looking at the top 100 photos from the Philadelphia Eagles 16-13 win over the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on Friday night

The Eagles returned to live game action for the first time since their embarrassing 32-9 defeat to the Buccaneers in the NFC wild-card game.

Philadelphia traveled to Baltimore to face the Ravens in a preview of their Week 13 matchup, which looms later in the regular season. Both teams held out the majority of the starters, allowing key rookies and veterans on the bubble to shine and create separation in roster battles.

Eagles All-Pro kicker Jake Elliott made a 49-yard field goal with no time remaining to give Philadelphia a 16-13 victory on Friday night. Elliott missed an extra point off the left upright in the first quarter, and his 50-yard kick hit the right upright with 16 seconds remaining in the game.

With Philadelphia set to start preparation for the Patriots on Thursday night, here are the top 100 photos from the big win.

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Takeaways and observations from first half of Eagles’ preseason opener vs. the Ravens

The NFL is back, and Philadelphia officially started its march toward another postseason berth with a much anticipated preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens. Kenny Pickett was 13-21 for 90 yards and one touchdown, and the Eagles are tied 6-6 …

The NFL is back, and Philadelphia officially started its march toward another postseason berth with a much anticipated preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens. Kenny Pickett was 13-21 for 90 yards and one touchdown, and the Eagles are tied 6-6 with the Ravens to end the first half at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

Both teams held out key starters, but Philadelphia defensive coordinator Vic Fangio ensured key players saw snaps in the first half. Most of the offensive and defensive starters sat out for the Ravens, allowing second-year linebacker Trenton Simpson to shine.

On offense, Josh Johnson was 4-12 passing for 60 yards, while Owen Wright led the Baltimore rushing attack with seven carries for 33 yards.

With the second half set to begin, here are takeaways and observations from the first half in Baltimore.

Trotter is instinctual and has the benefit of sharing dinner and breakfast with one of the greatest linebackers in Eagles franchise history.

Nakobe Dean’s first defensive snaps came with 5:34 remaining in the second quarter. Philadelphia’s starters at linebacker were Zack Baun and Devin White. Dean had one tackle in the first half and one pass defended.

Philadelphia gave us a preview of the future with Quinyon Mitchell and Kelee Ringo getting snaps together. Isaiah Rodgers got snaps on the outside with RIngo, while Mitchell got the initial snaps in the slot. The Eagles surrendered 62 yards passing in the first half.

Wilson got the start for Philadelphia and had one catch for seven yards on two targets and a crucial block on the Will Shipley touchdown.

Mekhi Becton gets the start at right guard, while the rest of the Eagles starting offensive line didn’t dress.

Pickett was 13-21 for 90 yards and one touchdown in the first half, and solidified his status as the backup.

The Eagles’ top offensive starters, including Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Lane Johnson, and Jordan Mailata, were not uniform.

Eagles training camp: Highlights from Day 1 of practice

After months of waiting, and stories about Jalen Hurts and head coach Nick Sirianni, the Eagles returned to the NovaCare Complex, for their first training camp practice of 2024. New additions like Saquon Barkley, Bryce Huff and Quinyon Mitchell took …

After months of waiting, and stories about Jalen Hurts and head coach Nick Sirianni, the Eagles returned to the NovaCare Complex, for their first training camp practice of 2024.

New additions like Saquon Barkley, Bryce Huff and Quinyon Mitchell took the field on Wednesday, while rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean will miss three weeks with a hamstring injury.

Here are highlights from Day 1 of action.