The Eagles signed veteran fullback Khari Blasingame to their practice squad on Tuesday afternoon and also released wide receiver John Ross from the practice squad injured list.

Blasingame, 28, has appeared in 66 career games with 21 starts for the Titans and Bears, but has been a free agent since October 25 when he was cut by Chicago.

This season, the Eagles incorporated a fullback into their offense by giving linebacker Ben VanSumeren some snaps in that role. VanSumeren played 22 offensive snaps as a lead blocker but was lost for the season due to a knee injury suffered in practice last Friday.

During Sunday’s game, tight end Grant Calcaterra briefly took on the lead blocker role, but now he can refocus on his primary position at tight end. With Dallas Goedert sidelined due to a knee injury, Calcaterra may have to step up as the starting tight end for the next few weeks.

The Eagles appear to value the added dimension of a fullback in their offense, which is why they are bringing in Blasingame, a veteran, to potentially expand on that package.

The last time the Eagles had a player officially listed as a fullback on their roster was in 2016, when they briefly brought in former Kansas State defensive end Ryan Mueller. However, head coach Doug Pederson quickly decided against using a fullback, and Mueller was cut before training camp. Since then, the Eagles have not had an official fullback.

Despite the fullback position becoming rarer in the NFL, the Eagles’ offense has evolved into one of the most versatile and potent running games in the league. With contributions from head coach Nick Sirianni, offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, and offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, the Eagles have developed one of the most dynamic running attacks in the NFL. This diverse offensive strategy is a key factor in their success.

Blasingame entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019, signing with the Vikings before joining the Titans later that year. Over three seasons with Tennessee, he appeared in 32 games. From 2022 until his release in October, he played in 34 games with the Bears.

Throughout his career, Blasingame has recorded 11 rushing attempts for 32 yards and 13 receptions for 99 yards. However, his role with the Eagles will primarily be as a blocker, and if elevated from the practice squad, that will remain his main responsibility.