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Eagles release Christian Hackenberg as 53-man roster crunch begins

The former Penn State quarterback got a late start with the Birds and appeared only in the final preseason game.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Christian Hackenberg during a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets in Philadelphia, Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Christian Hackenberg during a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets in Philadelphia, Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)Read moreMatt Rourke

The Eagles have released former Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg, a league source confirmed Friday.

Hackenberg, a second-round draft choice of the New York Jets in 2016, signed with the Eagles Aug. 12, which was probably too late to learn the offense and make the team, even if he hadn't had Carson Wentz, Nick Foles and Nate Sudfeld ahead of him.

Hackenberg was released earlier this year by the Raiders. As an Eagle, he played only in the final preseason game, Thursday night against the visiting New York Jets. Hackenberg completed seven of 16 passes for 69 yards and two interceptions.

The Eagles are in the process of getting from 90 players to the regular season limit of 53 by 4 pm Saturday. They have not announced any cuts yet, but a number have been reported by various sources, including quarterback Joe Callahan, from Absecon, N.J. and Dover, Del.'s Wesley College.

None of the trims reported Friday was a surprise — wide receiver Rashard Davis, defensive lineman Daniel Ezechukwu, guard Aaron Evans, tight end Billy Brown, center Jon Toth, and tight end Gannon Sinclair.

According to NJ.com, Davis will join the Eagles' 10-member practice squad if he clears waivers. Teams can start building those squads at 1 p.m. Sunday, an hour after the waiver period ends.