Eagles Wake-Up Call: David Sims’ Path To Philly

David Sims worked two jobs: He was on a garbage truck during the day and stocking at Sam’s Club at night.

Acquired from Cleveland in a trade Friday night, the Eagles’ newest safety has taken an unconventional path to the NFL. It was chronicled recently by Terry Pluto of The Plain Dealer.

In 2005, Sims was a star high school running back in Gainesville, Fla. He was told by Florida coach Ron Zook that the Gators might have a football scholarship awaiting him.

“Only Zook was fired, and I had hurt my ACL [knee injury],” he said. “I thought I’d get some scholarship offers, but after I got hurt . . .”

Nothing.

Some junior colleges were interested, but Sims figured he was better than that.

He figured wrong.

So after graduating from high school, he decided to work for a year.

There’s much more. Sims went to junior college, switched positions, went undrafted, signed with the Giants, got cut, signed with the Bucs, got cut and eventually landed on the Browns practice squad.

Pluto’s story is definitely worth a read. Sims may not be the answer to the Eagles’ safety problem, but he’s clearly hungry and looking to do everything in his power to survive in the league.

WHAT YOU MISSED

The Eagles signed six players to the practice squad. They’ve still got two spots open.

The Birds waived cornerback Trevard Lindley and claimed offensive lineman Nathan Menkin from the Texans.

T-Mac’s got the scoop on Mike Kafka, who was not claimed on waivers, but is generating interest from four teams.

And here’s a look at how the Eagles’ pieces fit on offense and on defense, now that they’re down to 53 players.

Finally, props to McManus for nailing 50 of 53 on his roster projection and beating me in our Birds 24/7 contest. Since I always ask to go double-or -nothing, it’s time to rope him in with another wager. Suggestions are welcome.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

Tommy Lawlor over at Iggles Blitz has a good breakdown on the strengths and weaknesses of the newest Eagles offensive lineman.

In the Mudd system, Menkin will have the chance to be more aggressive off the ball.  He can use his good lateral agility to get wide and take on rushers.  He can come off the ball and engage them.  Menkin uses his hands well and is an active blocker.  He’s going to do everything he can on a given play.  There is nothing passive about him.

According to Jimmy Kempski of Blogging the Beast, the average age of players on the Eagles roster is 25.55. That makes them the second-youngest team in the NFL.

Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland has the latest on Browns running back Trent Richardson. It’s unclear whether the rookie will be ready to go Sunday against the Eagles.

Richardson did not practice on Saturday. He merely rode a stationary bike on the grass field with other wounded players. He wore a black wrap over the length of his left leg.

The question now is whether Richardson can make up for lost time, get in enough practice and play Sept. 9 – and for how long.

“He’s going to give it everything he’s got,” coach Pat Shurmur said. “This will be his first live activity. If he plays, he will be ready to go and play the whole game. We just have to be smart.”

Per Lance Zierlein of The Sideline View, two other teams were going to claim Menkin if the Eagles did not.

Rather than join the Eagles’ practice squad, Chad Hall is going to try to find a spot on another team’s 53-man roster.

COMING UP

No practice for the Eagles today, but chance are, the roster tweaks will continue. And we’ll have them covered.

Follow Sheil Kapadia on Twitter and e-mail him at skapadia@phillymag.com.