BUFFALO – Nearly a month after former Northwestern State receiver Ed Eagan joined the Buffalo Bills practice squad, the New Orleans native signed with the Bills' 53-man roster Tuesday.

The Bills were one of the teams to pursue the free agent Eagan after the NFL Draft this spring, but Eagan signed with the Dallas Cowboys initially and also spent time with the Cleveland Browns this preseason.

Bills general manager Doug Whaley said while an injury opened the door for Eagan's promotion, the former Demon earned the opportunity.

"He was doing so good on the practice squad, gaining the respect of his teammates, that it was an easy choice to activate him when the opportunity presented itself. That is a testament not only to him and his family but also his college program that not only taught him the game but also how to be work like a true professional," said Whaley.

Eagan is the fourth former Demon on an active NFL roster, joining former teammates offensive lineman Pace Murphy (Los Angeles Rams) and defensive lineman Deon Simon (New York Jets). Cornerback Jeremy Lane is the longest-tenured Demon currently in the NFL, playing in Seattle.

Two former Demon players are active NFL coaches in Bill Johnson (Saints defensive line) and Kansas City Chiefs strength coach Barry Rubin.

Eagan will suit up against the Patriots this Sunday.

The New Orleans-Holy Cross product was a 2014 All-American when he was second in the FCS with a 181-yard all-purpose yardage average. Eagan set 10 NSU school records, including career receptions (177), receiving yards (2,228), kickoff return yards (2,922) and all-purpose yards (5,651). He holds the Demons' single-game marks for receptions (13) and receiving yards (238) and has the top two single-game reception totals in school history, despite playing cornerback as a true freshman.

Four Demons have played in Buffalo: receiver Monte Ledbetter, receiver Al Edwards, cornerback and Pro Bowl returner Terrence McGee, and offensive tackle Demetress Bell.

Bills general manager Doug Whaley and Demons' defensive coordinator and associate head coach Daryl Daye worked together in Buffalo on the Bills staff for two seasons.