As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for their preseason opener, their final practice session offered a blend of optimism and caution. The skies cleared just in time for the Eagles to notch their double-digit practice mark, resulting in an uninterrupted 75-minute session that showcased both promising performances and concerning absences.
Injury Woes Continue
One of the main talking points of the session was the continued absence of key players due to injuries. Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson missed his second consecutive practice, nursing a shoulder injury. Linebacker Oren Burks has been out even longer, now missing his ninth straight session due to a knee issue. Wide receiver Parris Campbell, safety Mekhi Garner, and linebacker Brandon Smith were notably absent for their fourth consecutive practice. None of these injured players are anticipated to take the field in the upcoming preseason game, signaling potential gaps in the Eagles' starting lineup.
First-Team Insights
On the brighter side, the first-team units provided an intriguing preview of what fans might expect during the season. Zack Baun and Devin White took command of the linebacker unit, with James Bradberry and Reed Blankenship holding down the safety positions. Cornerbacks Isaiah Rodgers and Darius Slay locked down the outside spots, while Quinyon Mitchell stepped up as the first-team slot cornerback.
Star quarterback Jalen Hurts showcased his rapport with tight end Grant Calcaterra, connecting for a touchdown and a 25-yard pass during practice. Calcaterra also displayed his versatility, catching a slant from backup quarterback Kenny Pickett. On the flip side, Darius Slay wasn't just making waves in the cornerback role; he broke up a deep pass from Hurts intended for wide receiver Joseph Ngata, showing his defensive prowess.
Offensive Line Battles
The practice also featured a notable clash in the trenches. Offensive tackle Lane Johnson demonstrated his elite blocking skills by neutralizing defensive end Brandon Graham's rush in three consecutive plays during 11-on-11 scenarios. Mekhi Becton remained a steadfast presence at the first-team right guard, an encouraging sign for the Eagles’ offensive line. However, Tyler Steen's absence due to an ankle injury did raise some concerns.
Skill Position Standouts
Among the skill positions, wide receiver Britain Covey turned heads with a solid catch on an out route against defenders Tristin McCollum and Andre' Sam. Austin Watkins also made a highlight-worthy diving catch, gaining significant yardage against cornerback Josh Jobe. These plays could be indicative of deeper talents on the roster, ready to make substantial contributions this season.
Defensive Depth and Promising Youngsters
The defensive side of the ball also had moments of excellence. Jeremiah Trotter Jr.'s awareness and tactical acumen earned vocal praise from his teammate Zack Baun, who exclaimed, "Good eyes, Trot! Good eyes!" after a crucial defensive stop. Moro Ojomo has been another bright spot, consistently generating interior pressure over the last four practices. His developing skill set may position him as a vital part of the defensive tackle rotation, potentially emerging as the fourth option behind established names like Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Milton Williams.
Preseason Evaluations
With injuries hindering several key players, the preseason opener will be pivotal for assessing the depth and readiness of the squad. These practice sessions indicate that while concerns remain, especially regarding injuries, the array of strong performances offers a glimmer of hope. Whether it's the steadfastness of the first-team unit, the potential of backup players, or the budding talents making their mark, the Eagles seem prepared to navigate the challenges ahead.