There’s been a subtle shift on special teams in Philadelphia this week, but it’s sparked more conversation than you might expect - especially for a position group that usually flies under the radar.
The Eagles opened the 21-day practice window for veteran long snapper Charley Hughlett, who’s been sidelined with an abdominal injury. That move led to the release of his temporary replacement, Cal Adomitis.
On the surface, it’s a routine roster adjustment. But with kicker Jake Elliott in the middle of a rough patch - three straight games with a missed field goal - the timing had some fans connecting dots that probably shouldn’t be connected.
The narrative? That Adomitis’ snaps were somehow the reason for Elliott’s recent struggles.
And that with Hughlett snapping earlier in the season, Elliott was perfect and the team was undefeated. It’s an easy storyline to latch onto, but Elliott himself isn’t buying it.
“Really, Charley was hurt, Cal came in. Charley’s healthy, I’m excited to have him back,” Elliott said. Short and to the point - but most importantly, he’s owning the misses.
And that’s the key here. Elliott isn’t throwing Adomitis under the bus.
He’s not looking for excuses. He’s acknowledging the reality: he’s in a slump.
And it’s not a new one.
The numbers tell the story. Elliott has made just 76.2% of his field goals this season - a noticeable dip for a kicker who’s been one of the league’s most reliable in recent years.
And from 50+ yards? He’s hit just one of seven attempts dating back to last season.
That’s not about the snap. That’s about the swing.
Now, to be fair, Elliott’s earned a long leash. He’s hit clutch kicks in big moments, and he’s been a steady presence for this team.
But at some point, consistency matters. And right now, he’s not delivering it.
There’s also the issue of competition - or lack thereof. Elliott hasn’t faced any real challenge for his job in a while.
Bringing in another kicker, even just for a look, could be the kind of nudge that helps him reset and refocus. Sometimes, a little pressure is exactly what a player needs to get back on track.
As for Hughlett’s return, it’s a welcome one. He’s a proven pro, and having a trusted long snapper back in the mix can only help smooth out the operation.
But let’s not rewrite history. Adomitis stepped in and did his job without any major issues.
There weren’t bad snaps or glaring mistakes. The misses came off Elliott’s foot, and he knows it.
So credit to Elliott for not letting a teammate - especially one who’s now out of a job - take the fall. That kind of accountability matters in a locker room.
And if the Eagles are going to make a run, they’ll need Elliott to find his form again. Because in the postseason, a game can swing on a single kick.
For now, the focus shifts back to the fundamentals. Hughlett’s return is a positive step. But the spotlight stays on Elliott - and how he responds to a stretch that’s tested his confidence more than most.