The Philadelphia Eagles took to the NovaCare Complex on Sunday for an 89-minute practice as they continue to fine-tune their skills in anticipation of a joint practice with the New England Patriots in Foxborough later this week. Sunday’s session was laden with competitive drills and crucial updates on player statuses, showcasing the team’s depth and burgeoning cohesion.
Intense One-on-One Battles
The practice was marked by riveting one-on-one battles, with standout performances from several key players. Quinyon Mitchell and Devonta Smith faced each other in three gripping rounds. Although Smith initially caught a pass in the first round, Mitchell turned up the heat in the next two, forcing incompletions.
Elsewhere on the field, safety Andre Sam outshined wide receiver Ainias Smith in their one-on-one encounter, further exemplifying the competitiveness that permeated the practice.
Johnny Wilson's Rising Star
Johnny Wilson appeared to solidify his spot on the roster, taking the majority of WR3 snaps. He also made a memorable play by catching a Jalen Hurts pass in the back corner of the end zone over Quinyon Mitchell, underlining his value to the offense.
Veterans Show Their Mettle
Veteran presence was felt strongly on the field, particularly through A.J. Brown, who caught a touchdown pass against two defenders during a red-zone drill. Brown celebrated exuberantly by kicking the ball onto a neighboring practice field, punctuating his celebration with a spirited “Hell no!”
Defensive Standouts
Jalyx Hunt had a day to remember, participating both in batted-down passes and special teams. Hunt’s performance didn't go unnoticed, as Vic Fangio noted, “Jalyx Hunt might have had his best practice of the camp.”
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. also asserted his defensive prowess by blitzing Kenny Pickett to force an incompletion and maintaining solid pass coverage on Saquon Barkley. Trotter Jr. shared second-team reps at linebacker with Nakobe Dean, while also enjoying some first-team action.
Injury Updates
However, the Eagles weren’t without their injury concerns. Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson missed his third consecutive practice due to a shoulder injury. Linebacker Oren Burks marked his tenth straight absence, and wide receiver Parris Campbell his fourth. Tight ends Albert Okwuegbunam and Grant Calcaterra were also sidelined due to injuries.
Limited participation was seen from safety Mekhi Garner and linebacker Brandon Smith, as well as from pass rusher Patrick Johnson, who is nursing a lower leg contusion. Mekhi Becton, emerging as a front-runner for the starting right guard position, managed to participate fully despite an episode of vomiting during the session.
First-Team Reps and Positional Battles
With Gardner-Johnson sidelined, Avonte Maddox and Reed Blankenship took on starting roles at safety, while James Bradberry received first-team reps in that position. Zack Baun and Devin White cemented their spots as the starting linebackers, while Isaiah Rodgers and Kelee Ringo received first-team cornerback reps. Quinyon Mitchell played from the slot position.
Building Momentum
The practice demonstrated the Eagles’ competitive spirit and depth, indicating a team that is gelling well ahead of the season. Players like Johnny Wilson, who alternated WR3 snaps with established wideout and punt returner Britain Covey, are making strong bids for roster spots.
As the Eagles look forward to their joint practice with the Patriots, they are building significant momentum and anticipation, eager to showcase their refined skills and competitive edge as the new season approaches.