The Philadelphia Eagles continued their Training Camp on Friday with a noticeable drop in temperature compared to previous sessions. The team held a padded practice that featured several notable performances and updates.
In the injury report, Andrew Mukuba returned as a limited participant after a shoulder issue. Several players, including Zack Baun, DeVonta Smith, Nolan Smith, Terrace Marshall, and E.J. Jenkins, remained sidelined due to various injuries. Rookie Mac McWilliams and fullback Ben VanSumeren missed practice for the first time.
Saquon Barkley stood out during the session by making plays both as a runner and receiver. Jalen Hurts connected with Will Shipley for a touchdown on a wheel route, while Shipley contributed multiple catches and runs throughout the day.
One of the most competitive matchups at camp has been between Quinyon Mitchell and A.J. Brown. During practice, Brown secured a catch against Mitchell but was challenged on the following play when Mitchell broke up a pass intended for him.
Tight end Grant Calcaterra made what was described as the highlight of the day—a diving one-handed catch from quarterback Tanner McKee. Calcaterra has stepped up previously when Dallas Goedert was unavailable last season and continues to perform well this summer.
Defensive lineman Moro Ojomo forced a strip-sack on Hurts, adding to his strong camp performance. Smael Mondon managed to break up an end zone pass intended for Barkley late in practice.
Other defensive highlights included Reed Blankenship breaking up a deep ball aimed at Brown, Ty Robinson batting down a pass during drills, Adoree’ Jackson breaking up another target toward Barkley, Byron Young recording what would have been considered a sack, and Mitchell ending practice with another pass breakup near the goal line.
At quarterback, Jalen Hurts is coming off his best statistical season so far—setting personal records in completion percentage (68.7) and passer rating (103.7), along with earning Super Bowl LIX MVP honors after posting 293 total yards and three touchdowns in that game.
Tanner McKee has moved into the backup quarterback role after completing 66.7 percent of his passes for 323 yards with four touchdowns in two appearances last season.
Two new quarterbacks joined this year: veteran Dorian Thompson-Robinson and rookie Kyle McCord. Thompson-Robinson arrived via trade from Cleveland and is competing for a roster spot.
“I’m trying to earn a spot on this team as well as the rest of the guys here,” Thompson-Robinson said on Friday. “I definitely think that’s what preseason is for. I don’t really get reps at practice like that, so to be able to show what I can do in a game setting with live bullets flying will be fun for me.”
Thompson-Robinson also spoke about learning from Jalen Hurts: “He’s been there at the highest level. He knows what it takes,” he said. “Seeing his overall process throughout the day, he start from square one and really builds a foundation, not only with himself, with the coaches, the scheme, and the players out here on the field. I think all of those things just really combined as well as his leadership, how he carries himself in the building and shows up for his guys.”
Kyle McCord was drafted out of Syracuse after setting school records for passing yards (4,779) and touchdowns (34) in his single season there following his transfer from Ohio State.
“It’s going well. It’s been a great room to walk into, especially as a rookie. Guys are willing to help me, which has been huge. Every day is a new journey, learning new things about our offense, the defenses we’re going to see. It’s been really good,” McCord said about joining Philadelphia’s quarterback group.”(Hurts has) been an open book, which has been great. Any question that I have about cadence or why we’re calling a play or what he sees he’s been very open. It’s been great to have somebody like that in the room.”
The Eagles will return to practice Sunday morning following an off day Saturday.
