Eagles hold longest training-camp practice as defense dominates Day 3
Philadelphia Eagles completed a 1-hour-42-minute session on military appreciation day, with several players sidelined and the defense outperforming the offense in scrimmages.
The Philadelphia Eagles ran a 1 hour and 42 minute practice on Saturday, the longest session of camp so far, coinciding with military appreciation day. The team will have a full off day on Sunday before resuming practice Monday through Wednesday.
Several players were absent or left early, including OLB Jonathan Greenard (active/PUP list with a pec strain), OT Lane Johnson, LB Jihaad Campbell, WR Elijah Moore and DT Ta’Quon Graham (all excused for non-injury reasons), OT Cam Williams (knee contusion) and S Cole Wisniewski (hamstring). OLB Keyshawn James-Newby and OG Micah Morris also exited the session early, while OG Jaeden Roberts was carted off after a leg injury.
Depth-chart adjustments saw Jeremiah Trotter Jr. start at linebacker alongside Zack Baun in Campbell’s absence, and veteran Fred Johnson fill in at right tackle for the first-team offense. The first-team offensive line featured Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen and Fred Johnson, while the second and third units rotated among other backups.
Defensive play dominated the day’s competitive drills, with the defense winning seven of ten reps in a situational scrimmage. Coach Nick Sirianni announced a 7-3 score in favor of the defense. Highlights included Trotter’s near-interception on a swing pass and Jalen Carter’s multiple pressures and pass breakups, continuing his reputation as a disruptive interior lineman.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts recorded an eight-yard rushing touchdown on a zone-read play in the red zone. Offensive coordinator Sean Mannion said, "He's very uniquely talented in terms of his athletic ability. It's something he's been effective with throughout his career."
Other notable performances included rookie safety Drew Mukuba’s pass breakup, wide receiver Danny Gray’s catches, and strong showing from emerging players such as Jalyx Hunt, Dontayvion Wicks and Zack Baun. Former Super Bowl LII champion Brandon Brooks attended the session to observe the offensive line drills.
The Eagles will use the upcoming off day to recover before continuing camp activities next week.