The Philadelphia Eagles hit the practice field at the NovaCare Complex on Sunday, participating in an 89-minute session filled with competitive drills and key updates on player statuses. As the Eagles gear up for a joint practice with the New England Patriots in Foxborough later this week, the squad is demonstrating a mix of readiness and resilience.
During practice, wide receiver Devonta Smith and cornerback Quinyon Mitchell squared off in three intense one-on-one battles. Smith secured a catch in the first round, but Mitchell showcased his defensive prowess by forcing incompletions in the subsequent rounds. Similarly, safety Andre Sam proved his mettle by outperforming wide receiver Ainias Smith in their one-on-one drill.
Another standout was Johnny Wilson, who saw a majority of snaps at the WR3 position. The receiver made an impressive play by catching a Jalen Hurts pass in the back corner of the end zone over Mitchell. Veteran wide receiver A.J. Brown also shined, catching a touchdown pass over two defenders in the red zone. Brown celebrated exuberantly by kicking or punting the ball onto a neighboring practice field and responded to the jubilant reactions by exclaiming, “Hell no!”
The defensive line made its mark as well, with Jalyx Hunt batting down a Jalen Hurts pass during the 11-on-11 drills. Hunt also contributed to blocking a punt during the special teams portion of practice. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio noted that Hunt "might have had his best practice of the camp."
Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. added to the defensive highlights by blitzing quarterback Kenny Pickett to force an incompletion and maintaining solid coverage on running back Saquon Barkley. Meanwhile, the safety position saw some changes with C.J. Gardner-Johnson missing his third straight practice due to a shoulder injury. Avonte Maddox and Reed Blankenship filled in during his absence, while James Bradberry received first-team reps at safety.
Other players dealing with injuries included linebacker Oren Burks, wide receiver Parris Campbell, and tight ends Albert Okwuegbunam and Grant Calcaterra. Burks missed his 10th consecutive practice, while Campbell and Okwuegbunam sat out their fourth and third practices, respectively. Tight ends Grant Calcaterra and linebacker Brandon Smith, along with pass rusher Patrick Johnson, had limited participation due to injuries.
On the offensive side, Mekhi Becton is emerging as the front-runner for the starting right guard position. Becton faced a minor setback during practice when he threw up but continued without missing any plays.
The wide receiver rotation remains fluid, with Britain Covey and Johnny Wilson primarily occupying WR3 snaps. Covey is solidifying his role as both a wideout and punt returner, while Wilson is on track to secure a roster spot. The cornerback position saw Isaiah Rodgers and Kelee Ringo receiving first-team reps opposite Darius Slay, and Quinyon Mitchell playing in the slot.
At the linebacker position, Zack Baun and Devin White held the starting spots, while Nakobe Dean and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. took second-team reps. Dean, however, did see some action with the first team, indicating his potential upward movement on the depth chart. As the Eagles build momentum and anticipation for the upcoming season, their practice sessions reflect a competitive spirit and depth within the roster.
As the Eagles edge closer to their joint practice with the Patriots, the blend of standout performances and strategic adjustments indicate a team sharpening its focus and honing its skills. With key players stepping up and a deep roster showcasing versatility, the Philadelphia Eagles are setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.