Another day of thudding at the NovaCare Complex has come to pass. Here’s everything we learned as the Eagles added some extra spice to end the first week of live hitting at Training Camp.
Injuries
The Eagles had a few more injury updates before practice kicked off, but they’re contextual.
The Eagles are being extra cautious with players given the current COVID-19 climate. If these were COVID-related, players would be placed on that specific list. No reason to be majorly concerned here, although two injuries that popped up throughout the day stood out.
Dallas Goedert suffering a hairline fracture sounds scarier than it is. For the next few days, expect Joshua Perkins and Noah Togiai to see expanded roles. The good news is that the young breakout star in the making should be back in action relatively soon and the injury isn’t substantial. The Eagles just like messing with our emotions.
Defensive line dominate
It was not a great day for anyone on the Eagles offensive front. Conversely, it was a brilliant day for the team’s defensive line group who absolutely decimated from start to finish.
Jordan Mailata clearly didn’t have his strongest outing, but seeing Malik Jackson shine was a real positive. After missing last year due to injury, Jackson needs a strong 2020 and he’s going about it the right way – ripping through anyone that stands between him and a significant role on this defense.
Vinny Curry stood in for Barnett who is still sidelined, while Casey Toohill’s flash means that every single rookie from this year’s class has officially had a ‘moment’. Put this in the box of ‘things we love to see’.
The return of the Marc
The Eagles waived Kyle Lauletta recently in order to make room for WR Marcus Green, who had previously spent time with the organization. It hasn’t taken him long to make a dent.
The Eagles have *checks notes* over 2,000 wide receivers on their 80-man roster right now and Green will need more days in the sun like this to secure his future, be it practice squad or beyond. However, this is encouraging.
JJAW steps up
One day after speaking to the media and telling the world he ‘wasn’t good enough’, the second-year wideout looks to be playing with a real chip on his shoulder.
I think JJAW still plays the ‘X’ role in this offense, at least until Alshon Jeffery returns. Seeing what Aaron Moorehead can do this offseason will be interesting, but this kind of progress is beyond encouraging.
Training Camp bingo
Put a finger down if you had Jason Peters picking up an injury this Summer.
Peters seemed to walk it off, but Pederson kept him to the sideline before going back in, despite the veteran wanting to go in sooner. He’ll be dealing with much heavier players than he has been used to in the last ten years or so and there is understandably a steep learning curve for the right guard, even if he is a hall of fame tackle. One step at a time JP, one step at a time.
Matt Pryor is the current backup, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see him get the nod as a starter if problems persist.
Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire
