The Philadelphia Eagles held a short practice session on Tuesday as they prepared for Thursday’s preseason opener. The team practiced in helmets but did not wear pads or shells.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts had a strong showing, connecting with several receivers and making difficult throws. He threw a touchdown pass to Dallas Goedert during a red zone drill and later found Jahan Dotson in the back of the end zone in another situational period. After the play to Dotson, Hurts was visibly excited.
Dotson also had one of his better practices of training camp, including a notable catch near the goal line. His rapport with Hurts has grown after working together during the offseason.
Johnny Wilson continued his run of solid practices, making catches over the middle and blocking effectively after a Saquon Barkley checkdown. Kelee Ringo broke up a pass intended for DeVonta Smith but could not secure an interception.
Barkley caught a 10-yard touchdown from Hurts during another team period and has been active in the passing game throughout camp. Will Shipley contributed by catching passes out of the backfield, including one that set up a touchdown on the next play from Tanner McKee.
DeVonta Smith made another highlight-reel catch for a 30-yard touchdown after running an intricate route, with Hurts providing ample time for him to make the grab.
On defense, Cooper DeJean intercepted Hurts in the end zone when Hurts was pressured into throwing off his back foot. Moro Ojomo registered what would have been a sack late in practice as he worked alongside Jalyx Hunt on a stunt play.
Elijah Cooks turned a short catch into a 20-yard touchdown by maneuvering past defenders and later caught a two-point conversion. Darius Cooper and Keilan Robinson also scored touchdowns on passes from McKee, while Andrew Mukuba broke up a pass during team drills.
Regarding running backs, Saquon Barkley addressed why consecutive 2,000-yard rushing seasons are rare: “It’s only nine of us who have ever done it,” Barkley said. “The reason why it’s hard to do it twice is because it’s hard to do it the first time.
“For me, 2,000 yards isn’t the goal. It’s winning a Super Bowl and going out there to perform at a high level. I didn’t come in with the mindset last year to run for 2,000 yards; it just happened. Just stay in the moment, take care of the little things, be consistent with our process, and be obsessive with our process.”
Barkley recently signed a two-year extension following his first season with Philadelphia and remains active both on and off the field during training camp.
Will Shipley had limited touches as a rookie but showed potential as both runner and receiver last season. The Eagles added A.J. Dillon through free agency; he missed last season due to injury but previously rushed for over 2,400 yards and scored 18 touchdowns across his career before joining Philadelphia.
Ben VanSumeren has transitioned full-time into playing fullback after handling linebacker duties last year—a position he played previously in college—and will see how coaches utilize him this season.
Montell Johnson and ShunDerrick Powell joined as undrafted signings after this year’s draft cycle. Keilan Robinson was claimed off waivers from Jacksonville and brings special teams experience as well.
Injury updates show that A.J. Brown (hamstring), Zack Baun (back), Montrell Johnson (hamstring), and Byron Young (groin) did not participate in practice; all other players were either practicing fully or limited by minor issues.
The Eagles will conduct only walk-through activities Wednesday before facing the Cincinnati Bengals at Lincoln Financial Field Thursday night; there will be no media availability Wednesday.
