13 observations from Eagles training camp practice
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By: Brandon Lee Gowton
Observations and updates.
Today marked the eleventh 2021 Philadelphia Eagles training camp practice. The Birds were back at the NovaCare Complex for one last practice before their first preseason game. Here’s what I observed! (Stay tuned for our daily accompanying BGN Radio practice recap podcast that’ll be posted here once it’s live.)
PRACTICE NOTES
• No pads. Practice was on the lighter side.
• JALEN HURTS UPDATE: Hurts had a solid day. Especially when it came to connecting with the Eagles’ tight ends. Hurts threw a laser to Zach Ertz over the middle for a 15-yard gain. He also ripped a few to Dallas Goedert, who fought off very tight coverage and a strip attempt from Darius Slay on one rep. It was encouraging to see Hurts having success in this regard since there are questions about his ability to regularly work the middle of the field.
The one time that Hurts really put the ball into danger was when he felt pressure from Javon Hargrave, who blew up Sua Opeta, and threw the ball into a sea of bodies in the middle of the field. He was lucky that Steve Nelson only knocked it down instead of picking it off. A Hurts throw to Jalen Reagor on a curl route was knocked down by Slay. Hurts also threw off-target to Quez Watkins in 1-on-1s where the receiver didn’t even have a chance to lay out for the ball.
• EAGLES INJURY UPDATES: Alexis already covered some of this but I wanted to lay it out here as well.
Good news: Brandon Brooks (hamstring strain) was taking some reps in team drills. Isaac Seumalo (hamstring) was upgraded from “day-to-day” to “limited” participation. Big developments for the starting offensive line. DeVonta Smith (knee) was doing some rehab work in the form of light jogging on a side field.
Bad news: Andre Dillard left practice during position drills and did not return after getting looked at in the tent. The left tackle competition was already a blowout loss for Dillard and any injury only further cements his defeat. K’Von Wallace was also evaluated in the tent before not returning. Ryan Kerrigan had thumb surgery and will be out for 7 to 10 days. Craig James (foot) missed practice as he walked around in a walking boot; he’s “day-to-day.” Undrafted rookie free agent signing Jhamon Aubson was newly not practicing. Michael Walker, who had previously been dealing with a foot injury, was carted off during a nice rep in WR vs. DB 1-on-1s.
• Quez Watkins made a nice leaping catch on a Joe Flacco throw over the middle. He failed to bring in another diving attempt. After practice, Slay was asked about which receiver has really stood out to him in camp and he went with Quez. Really deserves more chances with the first team unit.
• Tyree Jackson continues to be active, catching basically everything that comes his way. Kind of funny to see how quickly he’s earned trust from quarterbacks despite being new to the tight end position. A very tall security blanket. (Relatively speaking, at least. I’m taller than Tyree, so he’s short to me.)
• Travis Fulgham had a bad drop. Too many.
• Speaking of drops, Miles Sanders had another in 1-on-1s. Just not a great summer for his hands.
• Emptying out the WR vs. DB 1-on-1 notes: Nelson forced an incompletion by disrupting the ball as J.J. Arcega-Whiteside went to the ground. JJAW dusted Michael Jacquet III. Reagor ran a sharp stutter comeback that got him open for a catch against Kevon Seymour. Reagor had a slight step on Nelson but dropped what would’ve been an over-the-shoulder catch. Slay was coaching up Zach McPhearson after the rookie was called out by Dennard Wilson for grabbing a fist full of a receiver’s jersey.
• Derek Barnett absolutely murdered Kerryon Johnson in pass protection. Threw the running back to the ground. Johnson was a little shaken up after the play.
• Greg Ward blew a block that allowed Avonte Maddox to instantly wrap up Reagor after the receiver caught a bubble screen pass.
• Nick Mullens had a real bad underthrown throw that should’ve been picked but instead was knocked down by Shaun Bradley.
• Andre Patton made a nice catch while sliding along the right sideline. Patton’s done pretty decently for himself as someone who projects as a camp body. Maybe he’s more than that?
• I saw Boston Scott drop three punts. Not ideal.
UP NEXT: The Eagles have a walkthrough on Wednesday that’s closed to media. Then they’ll host the Pittsburgh Steelers in their first preseason game on Thursday night at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles will be off on Friday before returning to practice on Saturday.
