The Philadelphia Eagles kicked off their Sunday practice at the NovaCare Complex with a focused and competitive 89-minute session. The team is gearing up for a pivotal joint practice with the New England Patriots in Foxborough later this week, honing their skills in preparation for the upcoming season.
Intense One-on-One Battles
The practice was marked by intense one-on-one drills, notably featuring Quinyon Mitchell and Devonta Smith. They clashed in three battles, with Smith initially catching a pass, but Mitchell tightened his defense to force incompletions in the subsequent rounds. Safety Andre Sam also stood out, outperforming wide receiver Ainias Smith during their drill.
Johnny Wilson Shines
Wide receiver Johnny Wilson made a significant impact as he saw a majority of WR3 snaps. Wilson caught a Jalen Hurts pass in the back corner of the end zone, outmaneuvering Quinyon Mitchell for an impressive reception. Wilson’s performance seems to solidify his trajectory towards earning a roster spot, sharing WR3 duties with Britain Covey, who is also established as a wideout and punt returner.
Veteran wide receiver A.J. Brown also had a standout moment, catching a touchdown pass over two defenders in a red zone play. Brown celebrated exuberantly by kicking or punting the ball onto an adjacent practice field and responding with a spirited “Hell no!” to nearby spectators.
Defensive Highlights
On the defensive side, Jalyx Hunt made his presence known by batting down a Jalen Hurts pass during 11-on-11 drills and later contributing to a blocked punt during the special teams segment of practice. His efforts did not go unnoticed as Vic Fangio remarked, “Jalyx Hunt might have had his best practice of the camp.”
Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. showcased his versatility, blitzing quarterback Kenny Pickett to force an incompletion and maintaining solid pass coverage on running back Saquon Barkley. Defensive back Isaiah Rodgers started opposite Darius Slay at cornerback, and Kelee Ringo received first-team reps, indicating a robust depth in the Eagles' defensive unit.
Injury Updates
However, the session wasn’t without its setbacks. Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson missed his third consecutive practice due to a shoulder injury, and linebacker Oren Burks missed his tenth. Wide receiver Parris Campbell was absent for the fourth straight practice. Tight ends Albert Okwuegbunam and Grant Calcaterra also did not participate due to injuries.
Players with limited participation included safety Mekhi Garner, linebacker Brandon Smith, and pass rusher Patrick Johnson, who is dealing with a lower leg contusion. Notably, Mekhi Becton, the front-runner for the starting right guard position, threw up during practice but didn't miss any plays, demonstrating his resilience.
Noteworthy Formations and Lineups
In response to Gardner-Johnson’s absence, Avonte Maddox started alongside Reed Blankenship at safety, with James Bradberry stepping in for first-team reps at the position. The starting linebacker spots were held by Zack Baun and Devin White, while Nakobe Dean and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. rotated in with second-team reps. Dean also saw some action with the first team, highlighting the coaching staff’s strategic evaluations.
Additionally, Quinyon Mitchell played in the slot position at cornerback, reflecting the Eagles' strategy of leveraging their depth and versatility across the defensive unit.
The competitive spirit and depth within the Philadelphia Eagles squad were palpable throughout the day's practice. As they build momentum and anticipation for the upcoming season, each session at the NovaCare Complex underscores the team's commitment to excellence and readiness for the challenges ahead.