The Philadelphia Eagles held a fully padded, two-hour training camp session on Monday as the team continued preparations for the upcoming season. Several players stood out during the practice, which featured both individual and team drills.
Quinyon Mitchell recorded his second interception of training camp, picking off quarterback Tanner McKee. Mitchell had two interceptions in last year’s postseason and is showing improvement this summer.
During practice, the Eagles played “Buddy’s Watching You,” a song associated with former stars from the late 1980s, including Randall Cunningham, Mike Quick, and Reggie White. The timing followed Eric Allen’s recent Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement.
With wide receiver A.J. Brown sidelined due to a hamstring injury for a second consecutive day, DeVonta Smith saw increased action and connected with quarterback Jalen Hurts for several significant gains along the sideline. Johnny Wilson also caught a deep pass from Hurts during one-on-one drills and added another catch during team play.
The highlight of the day came when third-team quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson threw a long pass down the left sideline to Giles Jackson in an end-of-game scenario. Jackson made an over-the-shoulder catch for a touchdown, drawing cheers from teammates.
Elijah Cooks continued his strong camp performance by catching a deep ball just before going out of bounds and making another contested grab. Eli Ricks broke up two passes after recording three breakups on Sunday.
Rookie Ty Robinson impressed during offensive line versus defensive line one-on-ones by winning consecutive reps quickly. Thomas Booker batted down a McKee pass at the line of scrimmage. Taylor Morin caught a contested touchdown pass from Kyle McCord on the final drive of practice.
In addition to Brown’s absence, several other players did not participate due to injuries: Zack Baun (back), Lewis Cine (hamstring), Terrace Marshall (knee), Byron Young (groin), Montrell Johnson (hamstring), and Trevor Keegan (back). Mac McWilliams (quad) and Ben VanSumeren (ankle) returned to practice after missing time.
The tight end position remains anchored by Dallas Goedert, who enters his eighth NFL season as one of the longest-tenured offensive players in Philadelphia. Goedert contributed significantly during the team’s most recent championship run with 17 catches for 215 yards over four games—the most ever by an Eagles tight end in franchise playoff history—and holds the record for most playoff receptions by an Eagle at that position with 52. Injuries limited him to 10 regular-season games last year; however, he posted 10 catches for 170 yards in Week 3 against New Orleans.
Head Coach Nick Sirianni has emphasized that “the passing game goes through A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert.”
Grant Calcaterra took advantage of Goedert’s absence last season by setting career highs with 24 catches for 298 yards and one touchdown while playing two-thirds of offensive snaps.
This offseason, Philadelphia signed veterans Harrison Bryant—who has played in Cleveland and Las Vegas with career totals of 98 catches for 877 yards and ten touchdowns—and Kylen Granson from Indianapolis via free agency. Bryant said: “Being in this room and seeing how talented it is, it’s a lot of fun. I think everyone has different skill sets, but everyone is very well-rounded, so it’s cool to see that, too.”
Granson described his experience: “I’m a versatile guy. I’m adaptable. I’ve done just about everything, every position, special teams, offensively. I’ve been in the backfield, I’ve been split out. I’ve been hand in the dirt. There’s nothing I haven’t done. Never not answered the call, so I’m excited to see what that role would be here in Philly and just excited for the opportunity.”
Other tight ends competing include Nick Muse—who joined late last season after time with Minnesota—Cameron Latu—a former third-round pick by San Francisco—and E.J. Jenkins—who was promoted from Philadelphia’s practice squad last December.
The Eagles are scheduled to return to practice Tuesday morning at Lincoln Financial Field with Head Coach Nick Sirianni set to address reporters beforehand.
