The Philadelphia Eagles wrapped up their final practice session before heading into the preseason opener, marking an eventful day on the field as clear skies finally greeted the team after a series of inclement weather conditions. The Eagles made the most of their uninterrupted 75-minute session, hitting their double-digit practice mark with high energy and focus.
However, the team was not without notable absences. Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was missing for the second practice in a row due to a nagging shoulder injury, while linebacker Oren Burks sat out his ninth consecutive session because of a persistent knee issue. Wide receiver Parris Campbell, safety Mekhi Garner, and linebacker Brandon Smith also missed their fourth straight practice, all sidelined by various injuries. None of these players are expected to take the field for the upcoming preseason game, a point of concern as the team evaluates its depth and readiness.
Amid the list of absences, the practice saw standout performances from several key players. Zack Baun and Devin White led the linebacker unit for the first team, showing their defensive prowess. At the safety positions, James Bradberry and Reed Blankenship provided solid coverage. Cornerbacks Isaiah Rodgers and Darius Slay held down the outside, while Quinyon Mitchell took charge as the first-team slot cornerback.
Offensively, the session was highlighted by Grant Calcaterra, who caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Jalen Hurts and later hauled in a 25-yard pass. Calcaterra also caught a slant pass from Kenny Pickett, showcasing his versatility and reliability as a receiver. On defense, Darius Slay broke up a deep pass attempt from Jalen Hurts, intended for Joseph Ngata, demonstrating his sharp defensive instincts.
In the trenches, Lane Johnson put on an impressive display, neutralizing Brandon Graham's rush on three consecutive plays during an 11-on-11 situation. Meanwhile, Mekhi Becton remained steadfast in his role as the first-team right guard, a vital element in the offensive line's structure. Tyler Steen, however, was sidelined due to an ankle injury, which could impact the line's cohesion moving forward.
Special mentions from the practice include Britain Covey, who made a notable catch on an out route against defenders Tristin McCollum and Andre' Sam. Additionally, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. received commendation from his teammate Zack Baun after making a crucial defensive stop, with Baun shouting, "Good eyes, Trot! Good eyes!"—a testament to Trotter's situational awareness and defensive acumen.
On the defensive front, Moro Ojomo has been a consistent force, showing a promising ability to generate interior pressure over the past four practice sessions. His performance might position him as the fourth defensive tackle behind Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Milton Williams, providing depth and potential for the defensive line.
One of the standout moments came from Austin Watkins, who made a diving catch and followed it up with a significant gain against cornerback Josh Jobe—an effort that did not go unnoticed and may earn him more opportunities in the upcoming games.
The practice session not only served as a critical assessment of the team's current standing but also set the stage for the fast-approaching preseason opener. The evaluations and insights gathered from these sessions will play a crucial role in determining the team's lineup and strategic focus as they prepare to test their mettle in real-game scenarios.