Eagles hold lengthy Day 5 training camp session amid injuries and mixed offensive performance
Philadelphia Eagles completed a 1-hour-50-minute outdoor practice on Tuesday, missing several starters due to injuries and an excused absence, while the offense struggled and the defense showed stronger play.
The Philadelphia Eagles returned to outdoor drills on Tuesday for the fifth day of training camp, conducting a 1 hour and 50 minute session in sunny weather after being forced indoors the previous day by rain. The team will practice again on Wednesday and hold a walkthrough on Thursday.
Injuries kept several key players off the field. Outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard remained on the active/PUP list with a pec strain, while offensive tackle Lane Johnson missed his third consecutive practice for a non-injury related reason. Wide receivers DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon were sidelined with hamstring issues, though both were listed as spectators for the day. Additional absences included OLB Keyshawn James-Newby (ankle), OG Micah Morris (shoulder), OG Jaeden Roberts (calf contusion), and S Cole Wisniewski (hamstring). WR Britain Covey left early for treatment.
Quarterback depth saw Tanner McKee receive his first opportunity as the second-team QB, rotating with Andy Dalton throughout the camp. With Lane Johnson unavailable, rookie Markel Bell started at right tackle, while Fred Johnson filled in at left tackle. The first-team offensive line comprised Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen and Markel Bell; the second and third units featured a rotating group of backups.
The offense appeared disjointed, recording numerous pre-snap penalties and failing to establish a rhythm. Jalen Hurts attempted four deep throws, all incomplete, and threw two interceptions, the second occurring on a pass to Hollywood Brown that was caught by Michael Carter before the ball was stripped. Hurts also missed connections with Quez Watkins and Elijah Moore.
Positive moments included two completions from Hurts to rookie receiver Dontayvion Wicks, one of which resulted in a first-down conversion on third-and-nine. Andy Dalton connected with Darius Cooper on a red-zone pass that was ruled out of bounds. McKee completed passes to several targets, including Darius Cooper, Eli Stowers, Elijah Mitchell, Samori Toure, Cameron Latu and Grant Calcaterra, marking his most productive day to date.
Defensive highlights featured rookie Joshua Weru’s speed against John Ojukwu, a sack by Jihaad Campbell on a blitz, and a pass breakup by Zack Baun on Dallas Goedert. Cooper DeJean continued to make plays, breaking up a pass intended for Hollywood Brown and recording a sack in team drills.
The practice also saw minor on-field altercations, with a brief exchange between Drew Mukuba and Dontayvion Wicks and a push from Quinyon Mitchell toward Wicks. Guests in attendance included former Eagle Jason Kelce, former player Beau Allen and NBA executive Mike Gansey.