Sources: Eagles release Dalton after demotion from QB2

PHILADELPHIA -- The Eagles released veteran quarterback Andy Dalton on Friday, sources told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. This doesn't close the door on Dalton's tenure with the Eagles, as he could return, potentially via the practice squad, a source said. The Eagles acquired Dalton from the Carolina Panthers in March for a seventh-round pick. Dalton and Tanner McKee competed for the backup job this summer, with Dalton ultimately getting the No. 2 role. But Dalton threw a costly interception against the Chicago Bears in Week 3 while Jalen Hurts was being checked for a concussion and was demoted the following week. McKee is now serving as the primary backup. The Eagles also have rookie Cole Payton on the roster. The short-handed Eagles likely need the roster spot as they account for the losses of right tackle Lane Johnson (retirement) and center Cam Jurgens, who was traded to the Baltimore Ravens this week, while also dealing with injuries to center Drew Kendall (knee) and running backs Saquon Barkley (hamstring) and Tank Bigsby (abdominal). Running back Dameon Pierce was elevated to the active roster from the practice squad earlier this week.