As the Philadelphia Eagles enter the intense final week at the NovaCare Complex, the pressure is palpable. With just three practices left before the last preseason game and next Tuesday's roster cuts looming, every move on the field carries weight. Tuesday's session, spanning precisely 1-hour and 47-minutes, showcased both notable absences and comebacks among the players.
Player Absences and Returns
Several key players were absent from the practice, including OL Matt Hennessy, TE Albert Okwuegbunam, S Caden Sterns, WR John Ross, OL Tyler Steen, and WR Johnny Wilson. Their absence provided opportunities for others to step up. Encouragingly for the Eagles, DT Gabe Hall, TE E.J. Jenkins, WR Joseph Ngata, and DT Moro Ojomo returned to practice, adding depth to the lineup.
Offensive Line Adjustments
Notably, Mekhi Becton took first-team reps at right guard, a move that signifies the coaching staff's assessment of his performance and potential in that position. Guard Landon Dickerson, after appearing to favor his knee on Sunday, made a swift return without missing any practice time. This resilience bodes well for the offensive line as the season approaches.
Injury Updates
Running back Saquon Barkley had a minor setback, missing the final period of team drills to get his lower back worked on. Meanwhile, tight end Dallas Goedert participated in the individual period but opted out of the team drills — a strategic decision likely aimed at conserving his energy and managing his workload.
Standout Performances in Drills
Wide receiver Ainias Smith stood out by besting both safety Avonte Maddox and cornerback Eli Ricks on consecutive reps, showcasing his agility and precision. On the defensive side, cornerback Quinyon Mitchell had a strong showing, forcing an incompletion against DeVonta Smith and disrupting a sweep to Barkley. His reaction after a successful play was telling of his confidence, "That's a route right there."
Cornerbacks Under the Spotlight
Cornerback Cooper DeJean experienced mixed outcomes, allowing an easy completion to Britain Covey and getting beaten by Covey on another play. Meanwhile, defensive back Parry Nickerson nearly intercepted Jalen Hurts due to a miscommunication with A.J. Brown, highlighting the importance of coordination in the secondary.
Quarterbacks Making Connections
Quarterback Tanner McKee had a noteworthy performance, completing a pass to Jacob Harris in a 1-on-1 drill against Eli Ricks and connecting with E.J. Jenkins on a deep pass. This precision underlines McKee's potential to be a reliable backup in the lineup.
Pressure on the Other Side
On the defensive front, Julian Okwara stood out by forcing Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett to flush right, leading to an incompletion during 11-on-11 drills. Okwara's pressure later in practice resulted in a throwaway, underscoring his consistent disruptive capability.
Offensive Line Leadership and Performance
With Mekhi Becton and Fred Johnson taking the helm in the offensive line, the unit exhibited strength and cohesion. Fred Johnson’s standout practice was highlighted by his versatility in both run blocking and pass protection. Johnson's ability to manhandle Eli Ricks during a run left a significant impression on the coaching staff.
The final week of training camp is undoubtedly a pivotal period for the Eagles. With every rep, play, and decision under scrutiny, the players are acutely aware of the stakes. Head Coach Nick Sirianni's encouragement, resonated in his praise, "Good job, E.J.", capturing the mix of pressure and support driving the team forward.
As the roster cuts draw near, every moment on the practice field is a critical opportunity for players to secure their positions and make their mark.