It’s finally here. The NovaCare Complex opened its doors to 90 hungry men today who are all ready for a Summer of twists, turns, and more importantly, FOOTBALL. Eagles Training Camp is back and with that, here’s everything you need to know from day one.
Injury free…mostly
Considering just how many injuries the Eagles sustained last year, it was a massive relief to see that of all 90 players currently listed on the roster, only one failed to suit up. That man was cornerback Jalen Mills, who will start the proceedings on the PUP list. He’s the only player on that list right now, meaning both Brandon Brooks, and even Ronald Darby, are active. Now in terms of their activity, that’s where things space out.
Regardless of just how heavily they participated in the always slower first day of practice, this is incredibly encouraging.
Carson’s back
After being made the $128M man, Carson Wentz returns to the NovaCare Complex to pick up where he left off. It’s so important to remember where he was this time one year ago and how much that likely played a role in the rusty, yet still statistically impressive, 2018 season. The franchise QB has been cleared for contact, although caution will be taken, and it didn’t take long for Wentz to settle back into the swing of things.
Wentz was unable to workout with his starting receivers last year who were instead receiving balls from Nick Foles. This is huge, with Wentz and his skill-position players able to get on the same page early.
THAT connection
Oh yeah, and there’s this…
He’s still got it…
It’s business as usual for Darren Sproles, who’s back for one last rodeo with the Eagles. He told reporters his decision all came down to wanting a Super Bowl and it looks as though he’s taking that very seriously.
While we’re talking about running backs, there’s obviously a lot at stake this offseason…
The rotation
Jordan Howard, as expected looks to be taking RB1 reps to kick things off, but after missing the entire Spring program with a hammy injury, Miles Sanders has to hit the ground running and is doing exactly that.
The former Penn State rusher made a solid impact on his first real practice as a Philadelphia Eagle, boding well for the heavier workloads that are bound to follow.
Cornerback momentum
With Ronald Darby still working off to the side and Jalen Mills on the PUP list, the cornerback position started off as expected. Maddox and Douglas lined up outside, with Sidney Jones in the slot, exactly as they did during OTA’s.
Malcolm’s comment above was interesting though, foreshadowing some loss at the position and almost as if he’s already accepted that it’s a certainty. Could he be alluding to one of the bigger names? Jalen Mills isn’t helping his case watching from the sideline while guys like Maddox and Douglas continue to make the most of first-team reps. There’s a long way to go, but this will be a story to follow very closely.
SendeJOOOOOO
Listeners of ‘The Outside Insider’ will have read this in the way I anticipated, but the first noteworthy play of Training Camp came from the former Viking who some assume won’t make the roster due to the compensatory pick formula. He’s out to make a statement, it would seem.
Ostman turns heads
Joe Ostman is a name on the lips of Eagles fans everywhere this offseason. Could the scout-team standout be a real hidden gem at a light DE position? Well, he’s going the right way about proving so.
The West Virginia product has put his best foot forward stepping into Camp.
12 personnel
This is a tiny touch, but for all those clammering for 12/13 personnel looks, it’s a nice slice of heaven while the main dish is being cooked. Start as you mean to go on, Doug!
Ice cold Kessler
Aaand finally, things didn’t start off too well for Cody Kessler, who joins the Eagles after some starting experience toward the end of last year in Jacksonville.
All signs are pointing to Sudfeld early on!
Make sure you’re following @LiamjenkinsPSN and @PhiladelphiaSN on Twitter for the latest Eagles news, and allow notifications here at Philly Sports Network so you never miss a beat!
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
