Eagles promote LB Ryan Rau to active roster

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Undrafted rookie linebacker Ryan Rau, who’s spent the entire season on the Eagles’ practice squad after an impressive preseason, finally got promoted to the 53-man roster Saturday and will be in uniform on Sunday.

On the active roster, Rau takes the place of Nate Menkin, an undrafted rookie offensive lineman, who suffered throat cartilage damage at practice on Friday and was placed on Injured Reserve. Menkin wasn’t active for a game this year.

Rau, 6-foot-1, 230 pounds, is the all-time leading tackler in Portland State history with 287. He enjoyed a very good preseason for the Eagles and was their leading tackler in the last two preseason games with four against the Browns and six against the Jets. He also excelled on special teams throughout the preseason. The Eagles signed him on June 14, and he was released Aug. 31 with final cuts, then signed to the practice squad the next day.

The Eagles signed Rau Saturday in time for him to make the trip to Tampa, where the Eagles will face the Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon. Rau will wear No. 53, most recently worn by Moise Fokou.

Rau, 22, is the sixth linebacker on the active roster, along with starters Mychal Kendricks, DeMeco Ryans and Akeem Jordan and backups Jamar Chaney and Casey Matthews. He’s the 65th player the Eagles have had on the roster at some point this year.

Rau becomes the fourth undrafted rookie free agent to spend time on the Eagles’ roster this year, joining Chris Polk, Damaris Johnson and Menkin. In all, he’s the 12th rookie to spend time on the 53-man roster.

E-mail Reuben Frank at rfrank@comcastsportsnet.com