Ostman hits IR & a new underdog CB emerges: Eagles Training Camp takeaways

Eagles Football
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Josh Hawkins catches a pass at the NFL football team’s practice facility in Philadelphia, Thursday, June 13, 2019. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

The Eagles hit the NovaCare Complex for another Training Camp practice ahead of Thursday’s preseason opener and a day off tomorrow. Here’s everything you need to know!

Roster moves

The Eagles kicked Tuesday off with a pair of roster moves. Firstly, DE Joe Ostman was placed on injured reserve after it was announced that he had suffered a torn ACL. This was a case of a worst fear being realized after Ostman had such a promising training camp and almost seemed destined to pick up a solid role in the defensive end rotation. In his place, veteran Kasim Edebali was signed.

The 30-year old is now joining his eighth NFL franchise after going undrafted in 2014. His most productive season was in 2015, where he amassed 5 of his 8 career sacks. But with 62 career games under his belt, you can see why the Eagles would be willing to take a shot. Don’t be surprised if Connor Barwin does return, however.

The Eagles also waived OT Casey Tucker with an injury designation. This is slightly surprising considering he sustained a concussion just one day after a scrap with Shareef Miller. Either Miller channelled his inner rocky, or there’s a sporting injury we’re unaware of.

Former USC cornerback Ajene Harris will take his spot as someone that worked out for the team during rookie minicamp. Traditionally a slot guy, Harris tallied 58 tackles, 6 passes defensed and a pick-six as a senior.

Injury update

The Eagles injury list is growing at a worrying rate as you can see below.

This isn’t so much the concern, with players like Nigel Bradham, Fletcher Cox, Derek Barnett, and Ronald Darby all still yet to partake in full team activities. For a guy like Barnett especially, with depth so minimal at DE, those training camp snaps are key. Although I’m not sure Fletcher Cox needs them anywhere near as much…

Like clockwork…

It’s almost expected that Wentz and DeSean Jackson will connect on a deep ball on a daily basis by this point and the pair didn’t disappoint on Tuesday.

The best part is, we know that nobody will ever get tired of hearing reports on just how impressive the duo seem to be and how in-sync they are. We’re in the heart of training camp and each completion still feels as exciting as the last.

McLeod working his way back

Rodney McLeod was able to finally partake in some 11-on-11 drills last week and his progress continues as the season draws nearer. This pass may have been an overthrow, but the fact McLeod intercepted it will not only do wonders for his confidence but is a really positive sign that he’ll be fighting fit in time for the regular season.

An interception won’t suddenly throw McLeod into first-team reps in live tackling situations, but it shows that he’s on the right path and for a team already battling the injury bug this year, that’s a strong sign.

Thorson does a thing

It’s been a wobbly offseason for Clayton Thorson, but the rookie QB made an impressive pass to Greg Ward Jr today.

After drawing subtle praise from Doug Pederson this Summer, it’s nice to see Thorson make a wave as opposed to struggle to swim against the current. The question now become; will carry into preseason?

Another underdog CB?

With Cre’Von LeBlanc injured and Jalen mills still on the PUP list, there is, believe it or not, a route for another underdog CB to make the roster. Josh Hawkins doesn’t exactly have a glowing defensive history with the Eagles, but he’s been one of camp’s more under-the-radar standouts and today that blip became much bigger.

I’m not sure I can keep up with such a rampant secondary, but preseason is going to be a lot of fun…

Mandatory Photo Credit: AP Photo/Matt Rourke