🦅 Talkin’ ’bout practice | Sports Daily Newsletter

It’s happening, y’all!

What surely feels like Christmas morning for many in Philly and beyond dawned on Wednesday as the Eagles took the field for the first training camp practices of the 2026 season — and, for Jalen Carter, with a nice pay raise.

So what did our writers see?

In short: plenty.

Plenty of Birds on the field (they’re healthy). Plenty of positional battles (especially on defense). Plenty of new concepts (on offense). And if you want the in-depth version of Wednesday’s key observations, Jeff McLane has you covered.

— Maria McIlwain, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓While there’s plenty of reason to hope regarding the Sixers and Eagles, is it time to panic about the Phillies? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Birds in flight

Part of Nick Sirianni’s opening message to the team stuck out to quarterback Jalen Hurts. He wrote it down in his notebook, and it underscores his mentality as a new season begins.

“100% alignment and zero entitlement,” he said Wednesday as the first practices of training camp began.

So what does that look like, as Hurts embraces his role as a veteran and helps his new teammates get acquainted with the Eagles?

And while there isn’t a Duolingo course for Sean Mannion’s offense, but Barkley is enjoying the challenge of “learning a new language” as the Birds install the offense.

Next: The fun continues today at the Jefferson Health Training Complex.

Dog day doldrums

Bryce Harper’s candid comments about the Phillies’ needs ahead of the trade deadline certainly raised eyebrows on Tuesday night.

Before Wednesday’s series finale vs. the Miami Marlins, interim manager Don Mattingly responded to his star first baseman, saying, “… players like being GMs and making calls and spending other people’s money, so just let it go at that.”

And the Phillies’ on-field misfortune continued Wednesday, as they blew a six-run lead en route to an 8-6 loss to the Marlins.

Next: After an off day Thursday, the Phillies’ road trip continues with a weekend series in Baltimore. The Orioles’ Brandon Young (8-2, 3.13) will start on Friday (7:05 p.m., NBCSP) against a Phillies starter to be determined.

Max(ey) effort

OK, so what was the deal with that asterisk by Tyrese Maxey’s name on the now-infamous white board? Turns out the Sixers point guard had a notable role in helping bring LeBron James to Philly.

Rich Paul, who’s James’ and Maxey’s agent, offered a glimpse into the decision process that brought the all-time great to the Sixers. He also hinted at James playing beyond that two-year deal, too.

James jersey sales broke a record, according to Fanatics, and with him officially now in the fold, how do the Sixers stack up within the hierarchy of the Eastern Conference?

‘Opening doors’ in lacrosse

The Philly area is a hotbed for women’s lacrosse. Of the Women’s Lacrosse League’s four teams — the Maryland Charm, California Palms, New York Charging, and Boston Guard — 18 players and two coaches have ties to the region.

“I think it’s just super crazy growing up in the area,” said Katie Detwiler, a California Palms defender who’s from Devon. “When we were growing up, we didn’t have any of this. We played in college, and then it was on to the real world. So I think it’s really good for them to see what could be possible someday. It’s awesome to see.”

And on Wednesday, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, the WLL, and local lacrosse players came together to celebrate the league making history in the area when it plays its inaugural championship game in the area next month.

Next: The inaugural WLL championship is coming to Subaru Park in Chester on Aug. 15 (5 p.m., ESPN).

Sports snapshot

• Back in the saddle: Joe Girardi will get a chance to manage again in Philly on Aug. 16.
• Around the ice: We take a look at what the Flyers have been up to lately.
• Moving on: Two Union players are set to depart as the team’s summer overhaul begins.

On this date

On this day 31 years ago, two of the Phillies’ all-time greats were enshrined among baseball’s best as Mike Schmidt and Richie Ashburn were inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.

An article by the Hall of Fame estimated that 40,000 came out to see Schmidt, a 12-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger winner, and Ashburn, who hit .308 over his career. Which Phillies might be next?

Standings, stats, and more

It’s a bit early for scoreboard watching, but the Phillies’ hold on a wild-card spot has gotten precarious. They’re tied with the Diamondbacks for the final two spots, and the Marlins, Pirates, Nationals, and Padres just two games behind them.

Here’s a place to access your favorite Philadelphia teams’ statistics, schedules, and standings in real time.

Mike Sielski’s take

After Jalen Carter signed his lucrative extension, he met with the media flanked by two important people: security chief Dom (DiSandro) and his mom. Dom and Mom has a nice ring to it. They’re also the two people who’ll be most instrumental in making sure the Eagles get their money’s worth from the 25-year-old defensive tackle.

Sure, he’s talented. But, as Mike Sielski writes, the Eagles are taking on a bit of risk here in signing Carter to this extension.

What you’re saying about the Birds

We asked: Which Eagles player is destined for a big year?

#33 is going to have an incredible year. Cooper DeJean 2026 Defensive Player of the Year. — Ronald R.

Jalen Hurts is destined for a big year. Rid of complaining AJ Brown, Jalen will have time and support to learn Sean Manion’s playbook without the pressure to cater to a diva receiver. — Bob C.

I think Jalen Carter will have a great year as he works extra hard to prove that he is worth that $152 million. Unless he is injured I think he will have an outstanding year. You always have to be wary of these long time extensions due to memories of Carson Wentz and Russel Wilson, [Deshaun] Watson, Jay Cutler and others, but I don’t think Carter will ever fail like any those players. — Everett S.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jeff McLane, Olivia Reiner, Jeff Neiburg, Ryan Novozinsky, Lochlahn March, Gabriela Carroll, Gina Mizell, Ariel Simpson, Matt Breen, Becca O’Reilly, Mike Sielski, and Jonathan Tannenwald.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thanks for reading along! Bella will be back in your inboxes tomorrow morning to close out the week. — Maria