The Philadelphia Eagles resumed training camp on Monday after a day off, with players donning shoulder pads for the first time this preseason. The session took place in hot conditions and marked the fourth day of practice.
Defensive tackle Jalen Carter returned to limited action following a shoulder injury that kept him out during the first week. Wide receiver Danny Gray (finger), linebacker Smael Mondon (illness), safety Andrew Mukuba (shoulder), and wide receiver DeVonta Smith (back tightness) missed their first practices of this year’s camp.
Rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell made an impression by recording the first interception of training camp, picking off a deep pass intended for A.J. Brown. Throughout practice, Mitchell closely covered Brown, breaking up passes while also seeing Brown make several catches against him. Both players have commented on their ongoing competition during the offseason.
Joshua Uche demonstrated his speed by quickly bypassing the right tackle for a “sack” on quarterback Tanner McKee near the end of team drills. During one-on-one matchups between running backs and tight ends, linebackers Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Dallas Gant, and Lance Dixon each managed pass breakups before running backs ultimately prevailed in the drill.
Ainias Smith caught multiple passes early in practice and showcased his agility on routes. Elijah Cooks continued to impress with another notable catch during team drills after his highlight play over the weekend. Adoree’ Jackson started at cornerback opposite Mitchell for a third straight day, while Kelee Ringo also saw time with the starters.
Tariq Castro-Fields intercepted a pass with the third-team defense by jumping a route, adding to his early positive showing in camp. Quarterback Jalen Hurts scored two rushing touchdowns during team periods, including one from eight yards out.
Practice sessions featured an upgraded speaker system playing rock music and crowd noise throughout team activities.
Former Eagles safety Rodney McLeod attended Monday’s practice after retiring at the end of last season following 13 years in the NFL. McLeod played six seasons in Philadelphia from 2016-2021 and was part of the Super Bowl-winning squad in 2017 before finishing his career with Cleveland.
“It definitely feels like old times, stepping in and seeing a lot of familiar faces, not only on the field, but off the field,” McLeod said after practice. “I think that’s a credit to the Eagles organization, retention, stability, and a culture that has continued, surpassing me as an OG now and walking away from the game. It’s real good and refreshing.”
McLeod remains connected to Philadelphia through community work with his wife Erika via their Change Our Future Foundation. The couple recently hosted their fifth annual Sneaker Ball fundraiser in Philadelphia supporting local initiatives; McLeod received recognition from the NFLPA with its Alan Page Award for these efforts.
“I don’t think anybody can take Philly away from me. We’re connected for life,” McLeod said. “I would say I just owe, not only the city, but the organization, a lot for, one, giving me a chance to continue my career as a young player when I walked in, be able to become a champion, provide for my family in a way that I could never have imagined, and then also allow me to grow up. I really felt like I came in young, still trying to figure out life, and I walked away after those six years just full of life, full of a lot of experiences, and a lot more mature version of myself, and this made me the leader I am today.”
With changes along their defensive front following Brandon Graham’s retirement and departures by Josh Sweat (Arizona) and Bryce Huff (San Francisco), edge rusher is seen as an area undergoing transition this year for Philadelphia’s roster development strategy—one that has produced consistent results across multiple positions such as tight end or center.
Nolan Smith (first-round pick in 2023) and Jalyx Hunt (third-round pick in 2024) are expected to see expanded roles following strong performances last season when Philadelphia won its most recent championship title [https://www.nfl.com/news/eagles-win-super-bowl-lii]. Free agency additions Joshua Uche and Azeez Ojulari bring experience as quick edge rushers who have had prior success getting to opposing quarterbacks.
Patrick Johnson returns after spending last season primarily with New York Giants; he was claimed by them following Philadelphia’s opening win against Green Bay Packers held internationally [https://www.nfl.com/news/packers-eagles-kick-off-nfl-season-in-brazil]. Sixth-round draft selection Antwuan Powell-Ryland joins from Virginia Tech looking to add depth among younger talent at edge rusher.
Philadelphia also added veteran Ogbo Okoronkwo—who has registered 17 sacks over six NFL seasons—and Ochaun Mathis seeks an opportunity after spending much of last year on practice squad status.
The position group features significant turnover but follows what has been described as an effective succession plan within key areas on Philadelphia’s roster aimed at maintaining competitiveness both now and into future seasons.
