The Eagles have just completed their third practice of Training Camp down at the NovaCare Complex. Here’s everything you need to know.
Injury updates
Travis Fulgham and Greg Ward both returned to team drills today, which was a lighter practice than the last two. By consensus, it was a veteran’s maintenance day. This meant that most of the team’s older players took the day off for conditioning purposes, while younger talents like Michael Jacquet were afforded reps with the starters.
Nate Meadors being week-to-week doesn’t bode well given that he only recently signed with the team, but Seumalo’s absence continues to pave the way for Nate Herbig, whose ceiling may not be one kept under the radar for much longer if he shines during the Summer.
Quez Watkins being absent and Jalen Reagor’s documented mental health setbacks are likely what pushed the Eagles to sign former Chargers WR Andre Patton.
Davion Taylor rises
A refreshed press conference yesterday elevated fans faith in Davion Taylor. The second-year linebacker had a very quiet rookie year, as expected, but is now working in a new scheme and under a new staff who are reportedly very high on him. It’s becoming very easy to see why.
Taylor has some freaky athleticism to his game but the knock on him coming out of college was his lack of experience. With this being his second training camp, it’s nice to see some visible improvements in his game. Depth at linebacker is light and if Taylor can take his game to the next level, he could be in-line for a real increase in snaps.
Quarterback picture
As expected, the Eagles quarterbacks are improving on a daily basis, with Jalen Hurts leading the charge and looking very comfortable in the early stages.
What’s really interesting is how much steam Nick Mullens appears to be picking up.
With a string of solid performances behind him, the former Niners signal-caller was regarded as a low-risk, high-reward signing. He’s got a combined season’s worth of starts to his name at a young age and had it not been for an injury, San Francisco may not have parted ways with the gunslinger. Mullens will be breathing down Flacco’s neck for the remainder of camp, likely leading to an intense preseason showdown for the QB2 role behind Hurts.
Wholesome Ertz
While all talk surrounding Zach Ertz right now tends to be about either his hair or a potential trade, what isn’t being spoken about is his leadership. This is a player who could technically be days/weeks away from departing the team, but you wouldn’t know it. He’s been seen mentoring DeVonta Smith and most recently, coaching up underdog TE Tyree Jackson.
Say what you want about Ertz as a player or his disappointing 2020 season, but his attitude here has to be applauded.
McPhearson sighting
Steven Nelson might have stolen the CB spotlight after signing with the team at the start of the week, but let’s not forget fourth-round pick Zech McPhearson. The nickel corner had his first ‘moment in the sun’ today, almost picking off Joe Flacco.
He’ll be challenging Avonte Maddox for the role of starting nickel cornerback, or at the very least a viable backup in behind the starting trio. So far, so good.
Breaking a sweat
Josh Sweat drew the praise of Jonathan Gannon yesterday, with the Eagles defensive coordinator saying that he regards him as a starter. Sweat lived up to the hype one day later, making a pair of big plays in the backfield.
Miles Handers
After leading all NFL RB’s in drops last year, it’s encouraging to see a conceited effort by the Eagles to improve the confidence of Miles Sanders as a receiver.
He’s been seen working on his hands every day of camp so far and I don’t think that’s going to change anytime soon.
Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire
