Most significant move: The Philadelphia Eagles kept just three running backs, despite getting strong performances from several young backs. Matthew Tucker, Henry Josey and Kenjon Barner were all released despite looking very effective in the preseason games. Chris Polk, who hasn't practiced or played in a game all summer, made the 53-man roster. Polk was effective last season, but it's a mixed message to send. Players who performed well in camp were released to keep a player who basically sat out the whole summer. It wouldn't be surprising if some of the released backs wind up on the practice squad.

Kicking change: The Eagles are taking a bit of a leap of faith with rookie Cody Parkey, who displaced fourth-year veteran Alex Henery. But that's a sign of their lack of faith in Henery, who missed two-of-three field goal tries during the preseason. Parkey made two field goals longer than 50 yards in Thursday night's preseason finale. His kickoffs are also more consistently deep than Henery's, a point of emphasis for the Eagles this year. The stakes are high on this one, but the alternative plan isn't that bad. There are always a handful of experienced NFL kickers available for emergency service.

What's next: The Eagles will form a 10-man practice squad that likely will feature many of the players released in the past week. Candidates include Josey and Barner, safeties Ed Reynolds (this year's fifth-round pick) and Keelan Johnson, wide receivers Ifeanyi Momah and Quron Pratt and quarterback G.J. Kinne. Typically the practice squad includes players who have been waived by other teams, as well.

Eagles' moves: Released LB Emmanuel Acho, OL Josh Andrews, RB Kenjon Barner (injured), CB Roc Carmichael, OL Kevin Graf, K Alex Henery, WR Damaris Johnson, S Keelan Johnson, RB Henry Josey, LB Josh Kaddu, DT Wade Keliikipi, QB G.J. Kinne, CB Curtis Marsh, WR Ifeanyi Momah, WR Will Murphy, WR Quron Pratt, S Ed Reynolds, DT Damion Square, RB Matthew Tucker. Placed WR Arrelious Benn and LB Travis Long on injured reserve. Placed OT Lane Johnson on reserve-suspended list.