Eagles Sign Lewis Cine, Activate Byron Young Ahead of Packers Game

The Philadelphia Eagles have bolstered their defense ahead of their crucial matchup against the Green Bay Packers, signing safety Lewis Cine off the Buffalo Bills‘ practice squad and activating defensive tackle Byron Young from injured reserve. The moves were announced on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, as the team prepares for the playoffs.

Cine, a former first-round pick (No. 32 overall) by the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, joins the Eagles after spending the majority of the season on the Bills’ practice squad. The 6-foot-2, 199-pound safety played college football at the University of Georgia, where he was a key contributor to the Bulldogs’ 2021 National Championship victory. Cine earned Defensive MVP honors in that game and was a first-team All-SEC selection. Despite a promising start to his NFL career, Cine suffered a compound leg fracture during his rookie season, limiting his playing time. He has appeared in 10 games over two seasons, primarily contributing on special teams.

The Eagles had an open roster spot after waiving quarterback Ian Book on Tuesday. Cine’s addition provides depth in the secondary as the team looks to solidify its defense for the postseason.

In addition to signing Cine, the Eagles opened the 21-day practice window for Byron Young, who was placed on injured reserve on October 25 with a hamstring injury. Young, a third-round pick by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023, was claimed off waivers by the Eagles in August. The 6-foot-3, 292-pound defensive tackle played in six games as a rookie for the Raiders, recording four tackles in 99 defensive snaps. At Alabama, Young was part of the Crimson Tide’s 2020 National Championship team, appearing in 54 games over his college career.

The Eagles’ defensive line has been a cornerstone of their success this season, and Young’s return could provide a boost as the team aims to make a deep playoff run. With Cine’s versatility and Young’s potential, the Eagles are positioning themselves for a strong finish to the 2024 season.