As the Philadelphia Eagles approach the final week of training camp at the NovaCare Complex, the focus has intensified. With the roster cuts set for next Tuesday, every practice rep carries significant weight.
Practice Highlights
This Tuesday, the Eagles took to the field for a precisely timed 1-hour and 47-minute practice, donning shells and shorts. Several players were notably absent, including offensive lineman Matt Hennessy, tight end Albert Okwuegbunam, safety Caden Sterns, wide receivers John Ross and Johnny Wilson, and offensive lineman Tyler Steen.
On a brighter note, defensive tackles Gabe Hall and Moro Ojomo, tight end E.J. Jenkins, and wide receiver Joseph Ngata made their returns to the practice field, adding depth and competition to their respective positions.
Key Players and Performances
The practice featured some standout performances. Guard Mekhi Becton took first-team reps at right guard, and his presence was notable throughout the session. Fred Johnson, another offensive lineman, had a particularly strong practice, excelling in both run blocking and pass protection. Johnson's standout moment came when he manhandled Eli Ricks during a run play.
Despite appearing to favor his knee on Sunday, guard Landon Dickerson was back in action without missing any time, demonstrating resilience and toughness. Tight end Dallas Goedert participated in individual drills but sat out the team portion, taking a cautious approach with his workload.
Running back Saquon Barkley, however, had to miss the final period of team drills to receive treatment for his lower back. This raises some concerns as the preseason finale approaches.
Defense Steps Up
On the defensive side, cornerback Quinyon Mitchell made his presence felt by forcing an incompletion against star receiver DeVonta Smith and disrupting a sweep to Barkley. Mitchell's enthusiasm was evident when he shouted, "That's a route right there," after a successful coverage.
Cornerback Cooper DeJean had a mixed day, allowing an easy completion to Britain Covey and subsequently being beaten by Covey on another play. Defensive back Parry Nickerson nearly intercepted a pass from Jalen Hurts due to a miscommunication with A.J. Brown, showcasing his keen instinct and alertness.
Quarterback Play
In the quarterback department, Tanner McKee showed promise by connecting with Jacob Harris in a 1-on-1 drill against Eli Ricks and later hitting E.J. Jenkins on a deep pass. These moments highlight McKee's potential as a reliable backup.
Pass Rush and Pressure
Julian Okwara was a standout in the pass rush, providing consistent pressure on Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett. Okwara forced Pickett to flush right, leading to a key incompletion during 11-on-11 drills. Later, he generated another pressure that resulted in a throwaway, affirming his role as a disruptive force on the defensive line.
Coaching and Team Morale
Head Coach Nick Sirianni remained vocal and engaged, praising players during practice. His "Good job, E.J." toward E.J. Jenkins encapsulated the positive reinforcement he's known for.
As the Eagles prepare for their final three consecutive practices before the preseason finale, the battle for roster spots will only become fiercer. With key players returning to the fold and standout performances on both sides of the ball, the team looks to carry this momentum into the crucial final stretch.