Eagles Ramp Up For Upcoming Season with Intense Practices and Key Player Updates
The Philadelphia Eagles showcased their competitive edge in an 89-minute practice session on Sunday at the NovaCare Complex. In preparation for their joint practice with the New England Patriots in Foxborough later this week, the team focused on competitive drills and player assessments, reflecting a squad building momentum for the upcoming NFL season.
Quinyon Mitchell and Devonta Smith engaged in three riveting one-on-one battles, with Smith snagging a pass in the first round before Mitchell forced two consecutive incompletions. Safety Andre Sam demonstrated his prowess, outperforming wide receiver Ainias Smith in another one-on-one drill. Johnny Wilson, emerging as a frontrunner for the WR3 position, highlighted his capability by catching a Jalen Hurts pass in the back corner of the end zone over Mitchell.
Veteran wide receiver A.J. Brown added to the excitement with a touchdown catch over two defenders in the red zone. Brown celebrated exuberantly by kicking the ball onto the neighboring practice field, responding to cheers with a spirited, “Hell no!”
Defensive player Jalyx Hunt had a standout session with coach Vic Fangio noting, "Jalyx Hunt might have had his best practice of the camp." Hunt batted down a Jalen Hurts pass during the 11-on-11 drills and even participated in blocking a punt during special teams practice. Meanwhile, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. disrupted plays with a blitz on Kenny Pickett to force an incompletion and maintained solid pass coverage against Saquon Barkley.
The practice wasn't without its concerns, however, as key players continued to miss sessions due to injuries. Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson missed his third straight practice due to a shoulder injury, while linebacker Oren Burks was absent for the 10th consecutive session. Wide receiver Parris Campbell missed his fourth straight practice, and tight ends Albert Okwuegbunam and Grant Calcaterra also sat out due to injuries. Safety Mekhi Garner and linebacker Brandon Smith had limited participation, with pass rusher Patrick Johnson dealing with a lower leg contusion.
Amid these absences, others seized the opportunity to prove their worth. Mekhi Becton, a standout candidate for the starting right guard position, showed resilience by rebounding quickly after throwing up during practice and missing no plays. Britain Covey and Johnny Wilson primarily occupied WR3 snaps, with Wilson on track for a roster spot and Covey solidifying his role as wideout and punt returner.
Avonte Maddox started alongside Reed Blankenship in Gardner-Johnson’s absence, while James Bradberry received first-team reps at safety. Linebackers Zack Baun and Devin White held starting positions, with Nakobe Dean and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. taking second-team reps, though Dean saw action with the first team as well.
In the cornerback slots, Isaiah Rodgers lined up opposite Darius Slay, and Kelee Ringo, along with Quinyon Mitchell, also received significant first-team reps. Mitchell adapted to playing in the slot position, emphasizing the depth and versatility within the Eagles' secondary.
The practice session exhibited the competitive spirit permeating through the Eagles' squad, with players keenly contesting every drill and seizing opportunities to earn their spots. As the team gears up for an intense joint practice with the Patriots, the players’ performances and sustained commitment in training camp generate anticipation and optimism for the season ahead.