The Philadelphia Eagles’ practice field transformed from a potential washout to a proving ground as the team completed their final session before the preseason opener. Despite looming clouds, the weather cleared up just as the Eagles hit their double-digit practice mark, allowing for an uninterrupted 75-minute session.
Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was notably absent for the second consecutive practice, nursing a shoulder injury, while linebacker Oren Burks missed his ninth straight session due to a persistent knee issue. Wide receiver Parris Campbell, safety Mekhi Garner, and linebacker Brandon Smith also remained sidelined, marking their fourth straight missed practice. None of these injured players are expected to take the field for the upcoming preseason game.
In their absences, other players have stepped up significantly. Zack Baun and Devin White spearheaded the linebacker unit with the first team, and Baun’s synergy with Nakobe Dean and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. on defensive plays was evident. The defensive backfield saw James Bradberry and Reed Blankenship man the safety positions, while Isaiah Rodgers and Darius Slay held down the outside cornerback spots. Quinyon Mitchell took on the role of the first-team slot cornerback, further solidifying the defense.
On the offensive front, some interesting dynamics were unfolding. Grant Calcaterra had an impressive practice, catching a touchdown from quarterback Jalen Hurts and hauling in a 25-yard pass. Calcaterra’s contributions didn’t stop there; he also made a significant play catching a slant pass from Kenny Pickett, showcasing his versatility and reliability in clutch situations.
Meanwhile, Darius Slay made his presence felt by breaking up a deep pass from Hurts intended for Joseph Ngata, highlighting his defensive prowess. In the trenches, Lane Johnson and Brandon Graham locked horns in 11-on-11 situations, with Johnson effectively neutralizing Graham's rush on three consecutive plays.
Highlighting the depth chart battles, Mekhi Becton remained firm as the first-team right guard, a spot previously contested by Tyler Steen until an ankle injury sidelined him. Britain Covey also drew attention with a solid catch on an out route against coverage from Tristin McCollum and Andre' Sam.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. earned verbal commendation from teammate Zack Baun after a crucial defensive stop, with Baun shouting, "Good eyes, Trot! Good eyes!" Such moments underscore the camaraderie and competitive spirit infusing the Eagles' practices as they fine-tune their strategies before game day.
Defensive tackle Moro Ojomo has shown a promising ability to generate interior pressure consistently over the past four practices. His performance suggests he could emerge as the fourth defensive tackle behind standout players Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Milton Williams.
One player to keep an eye on in the upcoming preseason game is Austin Watkins. He turned heads during this practice with a diving catch and a big gain against cornerback Josh Jobe, adding another layer of excitement to the roster’s potential.
As the Eagles prepare to transition from practice to performance, the collective efforts of rookies and veterans alike reflect a team building its identity and refining its playbook. With key players making strides and others recuperating, the preseason opener will be a critical juncture for evaluating the depth and readiness of this squad. Whether the starting lineup or key backups, every player has a role in shaping the trajectory of the Eagles' season.