What we learned from Wednesday’s Eagles Training Camp practice

NFL: AUG 08 Preseason – Titans at Eagles
PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 08: Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Andre Dillard (77) looks on during the game between the Tennessee Titans and the Philadelphia Eagles on August 8, 2019 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire)

The sun was shining down at the NovaCare Complex on Wednesday as the Eagles completed their longest practice of the Summer so far. As the intensity grows and stakes rise, the men begin to separate themselves from the boys. Here’s everything you need to know.

Injuries

The biggest update of the day was unfortunately a concerning one. Defensive end Genard Avery was carted off the field with what appears to be a leg injury.

This stings. There was a fierce battle forming between Avery, Ostman, and Miller over the EDGE5 spot. The Eagles gave up a fourth-round selection for Avery last year and while his impact was minimal after the deadline, this offseason was thought to be vital in taking the next steps in his development. Hopefully the injury isn’t too severe and he can return to action soon.

Elsewhere, Pederson continues to help his players keep in top shape with scheduled maintenance days.

I saw a JJAW

If there was one man who totally stole the show today, it was JJ Arcega-Whiteside. The second-year receiver has been trending upward for a while now but his stock spiked with a flurry of touchdowns and big-time receptions.

As mentioned several times in this series, JJAW should be the starting ‘X’ receiver this season, so this kind of development is extremely encouraging. It’s been a long time coming, but maybe we’re about to see a super sophomore breakout from the former second-round pick.

Burn baby burn

He wasn’t the only receiver to make an impact. Robert Davis being waived by the team only heightened the sense of urgency for one of the team’s bubble prospects, Deontay Burnett.

The former Jet has been brilliant this Summer and that trend continues. He should easily cement a spot on the practice squad as a result.

Uh oh

One minor quibble however is that Andre Dillard continues to struggle against bull-rushes. It was a concern as a rookie and although he’s added 20 pounds of mass, it doesn’t look to have changed anything significantly.

Dillard being worked by Joe Ostman and Josh Sweat on a daily basis doesn’t exactly bode well for a matchup against Chase Young in week one.

NRG from NRC

One of the Summer’s biggest standouts has undoubtedly been new signing Nickell Robey-Coleman. His hot-corner Summer only generated more heatwaves with another interception.

Signing one of the league’s most underrated nickel corners for such a cheap price may end up being one of Howie’s best offseason moves.

Watching from the highest tower

I’m just going to leave this here and once again remind you that John Hightower may end up being this year’s biggest draft steal.

It’s not too late to hop on the hype train.

Other notes

The battle for RB4 is interesting. Corey Clement appears to have had a very strong camp, but Elijah Holyfield continues to go above and beyond, much as Clement once did against Wendell Smallwood not too long ago. Adrian Killins is lurking in the background and come cutdown day, picking how many backs to keep could be tricky.

Shareef Miller had a sack today, so that’s progress. Especially with Avery going down, he really needs to make the most of this unfortunate situation.

Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire