The Eagles returned to the NovaCare Complex for another day of thuds and catches. Here’s everything you need to know from today’s Training Camp practice.
Injury updates
There were no real huge updates today aside from the fact that rookie JaCoby Stevens was added to the list and is listed as week-to-week with a hammy. This is a shame after he picked off his first past just yesterday, so hopefully we’ll see the LSU product back on the field soon.
Davion Taylor was reportedly seen wearing a boot and remains week-to-week with a calf injury.
John Hightower was taken to the medical tent during practice, becoming the latest in a long line of receivers to make that journey over the past week. He would go on to watch practice from the sideline, likely meaning that the injury isn’t that serious. He’s flashed some real deep-threat potential this Summer, so it’s nice to know he’s okay.
Jalen Reagor bites back
One day removed from his scolding after a poor second-team rep, the TCU product responded with what was visibly his best day of practice yet.
With a couple of big-time plays to his name (and a drop), Reagor showed that he responded positively to Sirianni’s intense coaching yesterday. There had been some concern surrounding Reagor’s mentality as of late, but this sharp turnaround will act as a huge boost confidence for him, the coaching staff, and the fans. It’s really encouraging to see Reagor rise up to adversity after such a tough offseason.
Flacco makes a deep pass?
Nick Mullens certainly got the best of Joe Flacco during the early stages of camp, with the veteran seemingly relying on check downs over the middle. That might finally be in the process of changing.
The Delaware alumni made a couple of deep throws today according to NJ.com’s Mike Kaye, showcasing that big arm that he’s long been renowned for.
The QB battle might not be over just yet…
Watkins rises
Quez Watkins has undoubtedly been one of the stars of the Summer thus far and continued his surge on Thursday.
Another day, another PBU
The Eagles are going to have some tricky decisions to make when it comes to the WR position, with there only being so many slices of cake to go around and yet so many players deserving of a bite. Watkins is doing all of the right things early on to ensure he’ remains in the mix.
Hurts to Ertz chemistry
I think we can safely assume that Zach Ertz is now firmly in the team’s short-term plans. His attitude through camp has been consistently impressive and that was built upon today when he was seen working out with Jalen Hurts after practice ended.
It’s really nice to see the two continuing to put in work and this is something we’re seeing across the board. Eric Wilson and Jordan Mailata have been linking up after practice to work on techniques, DeVonta Smith has been working on the JUGS machine despite nursing an injury, and we’re seeing plenty of players voluntarily put in that extra effort, which is a real reflection of Nick Sirianni’s coaching.
It’s also nice to see the players having fun. We saw some jokes during todays pressers where Boston Scott escorted Greg Ward to the podium as his bodyguard, only to be lifted down by Jordan Mailata. Darius Slay jokingly shouted down towards the podium in a bid to distract his teammate. There’s such a different feel to this Eagles team.
Sanders needs more work
The name of the game for Miles Sanders this offseason has been catching the ball. After leading all NFL running backs in drops last year, he has to find a way to be more secure with the ball in his hands.
There’s been plenty of work on JUGS machines and using all manners of drills, but as of right now, it’s still a concern.
Here’s to hoping it gets ironed out by the time the regular season arrives.
Mailata is storming to the LT1 spot
Not that it’s been in doubt this week, but Jordan Mailata’s ascension past Andre Dillard continued on Thursday, as expected.
The former seventh-round pick has not only gone stride-for-stride with Dillard, but performed better when matched up against the same opponent. That’s a trend that should continue comfortably into preseason, where the next real test lies.
Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire
