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Tag: Makai Lemon

  • Meet the 2026 Eagles: What to know about every player

    Meet the 2026 Eagles: What to know about every player

    The two-time defending NFC East champion Eagles begin their season Sunday, with the Washington Commanders coming to town for the Week 1 opener at the Linc (4:25 p.m. Fox). With that in mind, let’s meet every member of the 53-man squad. Players are listed by expected order on the Eagles’ depth chart.

    Quarterbacks (4)

    Jalen Hurts

    College: Oklahoma | Years pro: 6 | 6-1, 223

    Another year, another new offensive coordinator and play caller for Hurts, who has dealt with constant change since he was in college. All eyes are on the quarterback as the Eagles enter 2026 with a revamped offense under new coordinator Sean Mannion. How will Hurts take to running an offense that has him taking more snaps from under center, utilizing more play action, and one that may even ask him to run a little more often? How will he deal with a wide receiving corps that doesn’t have A.J. Brown anymore? There are a lot of question marks hanging over the offense, and Hurts is under the spotlight. — Neiburg

    Andy Dalton struggled in the preseason. Could he still be a trade target?Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Andy Dalton

    College: TCU | Years pro: 15 | 6-2, 220

    The Eagles traded a seventh-round pick for Dalton in hopes that the 38-year-old could compete for the No. 2 job behind Hurts or, if Tanner McKee outperformed him in camp, could be used as trade bait to a quarterback-needy team. Neither happened, and so Dalton enters the 2026 season either second or third on the depth chart. Dalton has played a lot of football, but he’s four years removed from being a starter. — Neiburg

    Tanner McKee

    College: Stanford | Years pro: 2 | 6-6, 231

    Coach Nick Sirianni and GM Howie Roseman are hesitant to name a backup quarterback, so McKee will either be the No. 2 or No. 3 guy behind Hurts on the depth chart. It’s a clear battle between him and Dalton, who might have the edge due to his experience. McKee has shown flashes over the years — tossing 269 yards and two touchdowns in a meaningless game against the Giants in 2024 — but he hasn’t quite jelled with Mannion’s offense. — Novozinsky

    Cole Payton

    College: North Dakota State | Years pro: 1st | 6-3, 232

    Payton, a rookie fifth-round pick from North Dakota State, fell victim to the QB battle in front of him this summer. He saw some garbage-time action in the preseason, but it wasn’t nearly enough to showcase his dual-threat potential. Roseman and Sirianni (rightly) gave his reps to Dalton and McKee, who are still battling for the QB2 job. — Novozinsky

    Saquon Barkley’s effectiveness in Sean Mannion’s offensive scheme will be a major storyline. Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    Running Backs (3)

    Saquon Barkley

    College: Penn State | Years pro: 8 | 6-0, 233

    The offense took a step back last year in part because Barkley could not come close to replicating his 2024 season, when he became the ninth player in NFL history to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season. Doing it again would have been a big ask, but Barkley’s ability to pile up yards was hampered by an offensive line that was injured and an offensive scheme that couldn’t find ways to get him the ball in space. This year, the Eagles are implementing a wide zone running scheme that should favor Barkley and a running game that will be pivotal to the team’s success. — Neiburg

    Tank Bigsby

    College: Auburn | Years pro: 3 | 5-11, 215

    The Eagles acquired Bigsby a few weeks into the 2025 season and the backup running back was one of the few bright spots on offense. He rushed 58 times for 344 yards (5.9 per carry) but had more than four carries in only three games. A new-look rushing attack could ask for Bigsby to spell Barkley more often this year. — Neiburg

    Will Shipley

    College: Clemson | Years pro: 2 | 5-11, 209

    Shipley enters his third season with the team as the third-string running back behind Barkley and Bigsby and as a key special teams contributor, particularly at kick returner. He won’t likely have ample touches on offense, but he acquitted himself nicely in the preseason, both as a runner and as a receiver. Mannion could find a role for him in the offense in certain situations. — Reiner

    is DeVonta Smith ready to embrace WR1 status?David Maialetti / Staff Photographer

    Wide receivers (6)

    DeVonta Smith

    College: Alabama | Years pro: 5 | 6-0, 170

    With A.J. Brown shipped off to the Patriots, all eyes are on Smith as the Eagles’ WR1. Prominent members of the organization, including Sirianni and Roseman, have stated they believe Smith is ready to take on a bigger role in the offense. Smith, who turns 28 in November, could be the team’s leading receiver for the first time since 2021. He missed most of training camp with a hamstring injury, but he is expected to be available for Week 1. — Reiner

    Dontayvion Wicks

    College: Virginia | Years pro: 3 | 6-1, 206

    The Eagles acquired the 25-year-old Wicks from the Green Bay Packers this offseason. He made the most of his opportunities throughout camp, and with Makai Lemon sidelined for a significant portion of the offseason with a hamstring injury, Wicks made his case for the WR2 job. Wicks’ best season came in his rookie year in 2023, when he racked up 581 yards and four touchdowns on 39 receptions. The two seasons that followed paled in comparison. Wicks will look to prove he’s capable of taking on a greater workload in the Eagles offense. — Reiner

    Can Makai Lemon recover from a low-impact preseason and training camp?Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Makai Lemon

    College: USC | Years pro: 1st | 5-11, 192

    Fans and pundits will be looking at Lemon under a microscope this season — and for good reason. The 22-year-old rookie was drafted in hopes that he could help replicate Brown’s production in the aggregate, alongside the Eagles’ other weapons. Lemon isn’t off to the best start, missing the majority of training camp then struggling in his lone preseason appearance (3 yards on three catches and a drop that led to an interception). — Novozinsky

    Darius Cooper

    College: Tarleton State | Years pro: 1 | 5-11, 210

    Last year’s training camp darling earned a roster spot by doing a lot of what Sirianni called the “dirty work.” The Eagles asked Cooper mostly to be a blocker and play special teams. He was targeted just 11 times on 212 offensive snaps. Cooper had a good start to training camp but seemed to fade a little down the stretch. That being said, there’s an opportunity for Cooper to have a bigger role in the offense this year. — Neiburg

    Hollywood Brown is a former 1,000-yard receiver who is looking to revive his career in Philly. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Hollywood Brown

    College: Oklahoma | Years pro: 7 | 5-9, 170

    Roseman signed Brown to a one-year deal in free agency worth $5 million guaranteed after Brown followed up an injury-shortened 2024 campaign by catching 49 passes for 587 yards and five touchdowns last year with Kansas City. He’s not the same receiver he was when he broke into the league as a 2019 first-round pick with Baltimore, but Brown could be a reliable third or fourth option despite being invisible at times during his first training camp in Philly. — Neiburg

    Elijah Moore

    College: Ole Miss | Years pro: 5 | 5-10, 178

    Out is A.J. Brown, in is his college friend and teammate. The Eagles signed Moore to a one-year deal to add some depth to the position group. The 2021 second-round pick then went out and earned his spot with a strong training camp. Moore’s 2025 season with the Bills and Broncos was rocky, and he came to the Eagles facing a career crossroads. He could have a revival, especially if Lemon struggles early and the Eagles ask Moore to be their slot receiver. — Neiburg

    unCovering the Birds: Is tight end the biggest area of concern?
    Video: unCovering the Birds: Is tight end the biggest area of concern?

    Tight ends (4)

    Dallas Goedert

    College: South Dakota State | Years pro: 8 | 6-5, 256

    Goedert is back with the Eagles for a ninth season after the team signed the 31-year-old to a one-year deal. Goedert is coming off a productive 2025 season where he had more touchdowns (11) than he did in the previous three seasons combined. Goedert will again be relied on in the passing game, but the Eagles will need him to give a little more as a blocker in a run scheme that asks more of the tight ends than the previous one did. — Neiburg

    Johnny Mundt

    College: Oregon | Years pro: 8 | 6-4, 245

    Blocking from the tight end spot was a struggle at times for the Eagles in 2025, so they tried to rectify that by signing Mundt, who has become one of the better blocking tight ends in the NFL over the last few seasons. What’s more, he’s also experienced in the Eagles’ new style of offense, having played on multiple teams that deploy some version of the Kyle Shanahan-Sean McVay offense. — Neiburg

    Eli Stowers’ ability to make a Year 1 impact is in question. Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    Eli Stowers

    College: Vanderbilt | Years pro: 1st | 6-3, 239

    The Eagles selected Stowers with their second-round pick in part because it’s past time they started planning for the future at the position. Stowers is a former quarterback who transitioned to tight end in college after a shoulder injury. The Eagles loved his athleticism and think they’ll eventually be able to take advantage of some mismatches when he’s running routes, but it’s unclear how involved the rookie will be in the offense early in the season. — Neiburg

    EJ Jenkins

    College: Georgia Tech | Years pro: 1 | 6-6, 245

    Jenkins was one of the bubble offensive skill players who made the initial 53-man roster. He has been with the Eagles for most of the last three years, primarily on the practice squad, and he has appeared in 14 games between the regular season and the postseason. Jenkins checks the box as another “Y” tight end responsible for lining up inline and blocking, a coveted role in the Shanahan/McVay offense. — Reiner

    Jordan Mailata returns as one of the Eagles’ most reliable players. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Offensive linemen (9)

    Jordan Mailata

    College: N/A | Years pro: 8 | 6-8, 365

    While most of the offensive line was hampered by injury last season, Mailata was one of the unit’s healthiest members, starting in all 16 games that the starters played (not including Week 18). He has seemingly improved with age — according to Pro Football Focus, Mailata conceded two sacks in 2025, the second-lowest total of his career (he gave up one sack in 2024). Two years ago, he earned second-team All-Pro honors. Can he earn leaguewide acclaim in 2026? — Reiner

    Landon Dickerson

    College: Alabama | Years pro: 5 | 6-6, 332

    Dickerson admitted that last season, he returned to action too quickly after undergoing meniscus surgery. He had a full offseason to recover from his various injuries, which included traveling to Colombia to receive stem cell therapy to manage his pain. Now, Dickerson says he’s healthy as he aims to bounce back in his sixth season as the starting left guard. Can he get back to the standard he established from 2022-24 when he was an original-selection Pro Bowler for three straight years? — Reiner

    A healthy Cam Jurgens would be a mark in the Eagles’ favor in 2026. Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    Cam Jurgens

    College: Nebraska | Years pro: 4 | 6-3, 303

    Chronic back pain slowed Jurgens at times in 2025, though he still was named to the Pro Bowl for the second consecutive season. Like Dickerson, Jurgens sought to rid himself of that pain by flying to Colombia for stem cell therapy treatment during the offseason. Jurgens says he’s feeling a lot better, and he appears to be moving around a lot better, too. The new running attack should fit his athletic profile. — Neiburg

    Tyler Steen

    College: Alabama | Years pro: 3 | 6-6, 321

    Steen is heading into his second season as the starting right guard. He was solid in his first season, conceding just two sacks, according to PFF. His teammates have lauded his improvement throughout training camp as he heads into a contract year. Steen will have an opportunity to play his way into a pay raise, either in Philadelphia or elsewhere. — Reiner

    Lane Johnson said 2026 will probably be his last go-round. Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    Lane Johnson

    College: Oklahoma | Years pro: 13 | 6-6, 325

    Johnson’s reign at right tackle is nearing its end. During training camp, Hurts’ 36-year-old protector said that 2026 will “probably” be his final season. Johnson played just 10 games last season, as he was sidelined with a Lisfranc foot injury. The six-time Pro Bowl, two-time All-Pro right tackle will have an opportunity to end his career on a high note in a new offense featuring a different blocking scheme in the run game, so long as he can stay healthy. — Reiner

    Fred Johnson

    College: Florida | Years pro: 7 | 6-7, 326

    Johnson has been a quiet mainstay in his previous three seasons with the Eagles, appearing in all 57 of the team’s games from 2023-25 (51 regular season, 6 playoffs). He’s mainly played on special teams units but has also earned 14 starts as the swing tackle during his time in Philly, including eight last year. Whether he serves as the primary tackle backup this season remains an open question — the team is high on rookie Markel Bell — but Johnson will provide veteran depth no matter his place on the depth chart. — Novozinsky

    Markel Bell could be the Eagles’ starting tackle of the future. Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    Markel Bell

    College: Miami (FL) | Years pro: 1st | 6-9, 346

    The Eagles identified Lane Johnson’s heir apparent when they selected Bell in the third round of the draft. Throughout camp, he made the transition to right tackle, as he had primarily played at left tackle in college. Bell will have the opportunity to develop this season behind Johnson. If the 14-year veteran gets hurt, the Eagles don’t necessarily have to turn to Bell right away, as they also have Fred Johnson in a reserve role. — Reiner

    Drew Kendall

    College: Boston College | Years pro: 1 | 6-4, 308

    The Eagles drafted Kendall, a college center, in the fifth round last year and then started cross-training him at guard. A year working behind some veteran offensive linemen and getting in an NFL training facility has done wonders. Kendall is bigger, stronger, and looks ready to step in if called upon to play any of the three interior offensive line positions. — Neiburg

    Willie Lampkin was one of the stories of training camp for the Eagles. Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    Willie Lampkin

    College: North Carolina | Years pro: 1 | 5-11, 290

    The Eagles claimed Lampkin at the end of camp last season after the Los Angeles Rams waived him with an injury designation. He spent the entire season on injured reserve. Finally healthy, Lampkin impressed throughout the preseason despite his undersized stature and earned himself a spot as a depth interior lineman on the initial 53. Can the Eagles find a way to get him on the field in specialized personnel packages this season? — Reiner

    Micah Morris

    College: Georgia | Years pro: 1st | 6-5, 334

    It’s easy to see why the Eagles, in search of offensive line depth, used a sixth-round pick on Morris this year. He has the body type and athleticism to play guard in the NFL. Morris showed some flashes during training camp and in preseason contests. He’s likely the last guy on the depth chart and won’t be called upon to play much, but the 23-year-old could be an intriguing prospect for the future. — Neiburg

    Jalen Carter (left) and Jordan Davis are both looking to deliver in 2026 after earning huge offseason contract extensions. Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    Interior defensive line (5)

    Jalen Carter

    College: Georgia | Years pro: 3 | 6-3, 314

    He got paid. Now can he bounce back? Last season, Carter generated a career-low 7.7% pressure rate while facing a double-team on a career-low 41.7% of his pass rushes, according to Next Gen Stats. This came after his wildly successful 2024 season, during which he helped propel the Birds to a Super Bowl win. Now recovered from injury and 10 pounds lighter, Carter should be one of the top defensive tackles in the league this season. — Novozinsky

    Jordan Davis

    College: Georgia | Years pro: 4 | 6-6, 336

    It’s clear that Davis has a different mindset entering this season. Look no further than the fact that the Eagles named the 26-year-old a first-time captain on Friday. Davis, who inked a three-year, $78 million extension in March, is going to be a force in Vic Fangio’s defense once again this year. He’s coming off a career-best 72-tackle and 4.5-sack season and should replicate that this season. — Novozinsky

    Moro Ojomo had a strong training camp for the Eagles. Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    Moro Ojomo

    College: Texas | Years pro: 3 | 6-3, 292

    Ojomo watched Carter and Davis — who sit ahead of him on the depth chart — become two of the highest-paid defensive tackles in the league this offseason. The 2023 seventh-round pick is using that as motivation. The trio of Carter, Davis and an extra-motivated Ojomo have a chance to form the best DT trio in the NFL this season. — Novozinsky

    Byron Young

    College: Alabama | Years pro: 3 | 6-3, 292

    Young is sort of the other guy along a defensive interior front that could be among the best in the NFL with Carter, Davis and Ojomo. But Young has more than held his own when the Eagles have called his number. He played in all 17 games last season and tallied 37 tackles. He had three tackles for loss and four quarterback hits while playing 30% of the defensive snaps. With a healthier Carter, Young could see fewer snaps, but the Eagles certainly like what they have with their No. 4 defensive tackle. — Neiburg

    Ty Robinson was a preseason standout. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Ty Robinson

    College: Nebraska | Years pro: 1 | 6-5, 288

    Robinson has been on “life support” for the past year, according to Fangio, as he struggled to get on the field in his rookie season. His defensive coordinator said he “came to life” as training camp progressed. Robinson led the Eagles with three sacks in the preseason. He will have the opportunity to make an impact in a depth role behind the top trio of Carter, Davis, and Ojomo. — Reiner

    Edge rushers/outside linebackers (5)

    Jonathan Greenard

    College: Florida | Years pro: 6 | 6-3, 263

    Greenard was the biggest acquisition of the offseason. The Eagles during draft weekend sent two third-round picks to Minnesota to acquire Greenard and a seventh-round pick, and then quickly signed the 29-year-old to a four-year deal worth nearly $100 million. But Greenard missed all of training camp after suffering a pectoral injury late in the offseason and his availability for Week 1 is uncertain. When he’s healthy, the Eagles will need Greenard to consistently get after the quarterback. He had at least 12 sacks in 2023 and 2024 before his injury-shortened 2025 season. — Neiburg

    unCovering the Birds mailbag: Analyzing Jalyx Hunt's productive training camp
    Video: unCovering the Birds mailbag: Analyzing Jalyx Hunt’s productive training camp

    Jalyx Hunt

    College: Houston Christian | Years pro: 2 | 6-3, 252

    Hunt arguably had the best training camp of any Eagles player this summer. The 25-year-old edge rusher lived in the backfield during training camp, sweeping past the Eagles’ best offensive tackles with ease. With Greenard potentially injured to start the season, look for Hunt to take his reps and thrive. He had a 6.5-sack season last year. It’s not a stretch to say he might double that this year. — Novozinsky

    Nolan Smith Jr.

    College: Georgia | Years pro: 3 | 6-2, 238

    Smith re-injured his triceps last season, forcing him to miss over a month of game action. His production declined, going from 6.5 sacks in 2024 to three in 2025. Now healthy, Smith had a strong performance in training camp opposite Hunt while Greenard was sidelined. He’ll look to take his game to the next level with the opportunity for a contract extension looming. — Reiner

    Former Penn State and Temple star Arnold Ebiketie (17) is looking to make his name as an Eagle. Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer

    Arnold Ebiketie

    College: Penn State | Years pro: 4 | 6-3, 256

    After four years with Atlanta, Ebiketie hit free agency and found a team in the Eagles who needed to fill out the depth chart on the edge. His playing time dropped off a bit in 2025. He was on the field for 35% of the defensive snaps after playing 49% a year earlier. The Eagles have some workhorses at the top of the depth chart in Greenard, Hunt and Smith, but Ebiketie may need to play a little more if Greenard isn’t ready for Week 1. — Neiburg

    A.J. Epenesa

    College: Iowa | Years pro: 6 | 6-6, 260

    It was a weird offseason for Epenesa. The Browns signed him to a one-year deal worth up to $5 million before balking at the deal weeks later, reportedly due to a failed physical. Now, he finds himself on a loaded Eagles defensive front — and he couldn’t be happier. The 27-year-old looked sharp in camp too, recording a handful of sacks and nabbing an interception on Day 2. — Novozinsky

    Zack Baun is a linchpin of the Eagles defense. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Inside linebackers (4)

    Zack Baun

    College: Wisconsin | Years pro: 6 | 6-3, 225

    Three years ago, Baun arrived in Philadelphia as an expected special teams ace and a prospective edge rusher. Since then, he’s become an All-Pro, two-time Pro Bowl, Super Bowl champion inside linebacker and one of the most important players in Fangio’s defense. After Nakobe Dean signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency, Baun is set to take on green dot responsibilities as the on-field defensive play caller this season. — Reiner

    Jihaad Campbell

    College: Alabama | Years pro: 1 | 6-3, 235

    Campbell made an immediate impact in his rookie season, playing in all 17 games and recording a decent stat line of 80 tackles, one interception and three pass deflections. Can he have an even stronger sophomore year? He’ll have help in the room — Campbell, Zack Baun and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. form one of the deepest linebacker corps in the league. — Novozinsky

    Is this the year Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (54) breaks through on defense? Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

    College: Clemson | Years pro: 2 | 6-0, 225

    Trotter heads into his third season with the Eagles as the next man up behind Baun and Campbell. But the 2024 fifth-round pick has demonstrated in the preseason that he could start in any other defense. He finished behind Robinson with two sacks in the preseason, plus one tackle for a loss. Should either Baun or Campbell go down this year, the Eagles ought to feel comfortable with Trotter taking their place. — Reiner

    Smael Mondon Jr.

    College: Georgia | Years pro: 1 | 6-2, 224

    The 2025 fifth-round pick played just 14 defensive snaps last season but was a core special teamer. That shouldn’t change much in 2025 unless the Eagles suffer a few injuries. Linebacker is arguably their deepest position. Mondon seems to be developing nicely and held off a few challengers for a roster spot. — Neiburg

    Quinyon Mitchell (27) and Cooper DeJean are seeking to build on All-Pro seasons. Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    Cornerbacks (6)

    Quinyon Mitchell

    College: Toledo | Years pro: 2 | 6-0, 193

    In his rookie season, Mitchell proved he was a stud in the making, being named to the All-Rookie team and finishing second in Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. He took it another step last year when he was named an All-Pro and a Pro Bowler. Can Mitchell keep leveling up in Year 3? Can he prove that he’s the best cornerback in the NFL (and deserves to get paid like it)? — Novozinsky

    Cooper DeJean

    College: Iowa | Years pro: 2 | 6-0, 198

    DeJean followed up an impressive rookie season by being selected as a first-team All-Pro and being named to the Pro Bowl. DeJean is arguably the best nickel corner in the NFL, but he’s taking on a new job for 2026: safety. DeJean will play on the back line when the Eagles are in their base defense and return to the slot in nickel and dime packages. — Neiburg

    Riq Woolen amazed after meeting 'swole' Eagles legend Brian Dawkins
    Video: Riq Woolen amazed after meeting ‘swole’ Eagles legend Brian Dawkins

    Riq Woolen

    College: UTSA | Years pro: 4 | 6-4, 210

    Woolen’s career with the Seahawks got off to a hot start. He was a Pro Bowler and All-Pro in his rookie season in 2022 and was a key member of their Super Bowl team last season. So, how did the Eagles manage to sign him to a one-year deal in free agency? Well, his inconsistency made him an occasional liability for Mike Macdonald in Seattle. Let’s see if the 6-foot-4 corner can find stability in Fangio’s defense. — Novozinsky

    Jonathan Jones

    College: Auburn | Years pro: 10 | 5-9, 190

    Jones is expected to be the Eagles’ top backup cornerback. He spent last season with the Commanders — Philly’s Week 1 opponent — and signed a one-year deal, $2-million contract with the Eagles in March. He had 78 starts in his first 10 seasons, so he brings a wealth of experience if an Eagles corner goes down this season. — Novozinsky

    Kelee Ringo remins a valuable secondary backup and special-teamer. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Kelee Ringo

    College: Georgia | Years pro: 3 | 6-2, 207

    Last training camp, Ringo was in competition with Adoree’ Jackson for the starting outside cornerback job opposite Mitchell. This year, Ringo wasn’t in the picture, with Woolen signing a prove-it deal in the offseason to command that post. Ringo isn’t even the first outside cornerback off the bench — that’s Jones’ job. But the 24-year-old cornerback is a valued special teamer, hence his roster spot. — Reiner

    Mac McWilliams

    College: UCF | Years pro: 1 | 5-10, 191

    McWilliams looks like a more well-rounded version of his rookie self. He earned occasional reps with the first-team defense throughout training camp and made some plays when doing so. He won’t start if the cornerback room stays healthy, but don’t be surprised if he climbs up the depth chart and earns snaps. — Novozinsky

    Can Andrew Mukuba (24) bounce back from the injury that prematurely ended his 2025?Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Safeties (3)

    Andrew Mukuba

    College: Texas | Years pro: 1 | 5-11, 186

    Mukuba saw his rookie season cut short in late November when he fractured his fibula. Now healthy, he will look to stay on the field in his role as one of two starting safeties in his sophomore season. Despite missing the last two months of the 2025 season, Mukuba did not see any preseason action, reinforcing the confidence that the Eagles have in him to do his job come Week 1. Fangio lauded Mukuba’s improved “knowledge and knowhow of the defense” in training camp. — Reiner

    Marcus Epps

    College: Wyoming | Years pro: 7 | 6-0, 198

    Epps is expected to serve as the starting safety alongside Mukuba in Week 1. It was a tough battle between him and Michael Carter II this summer, but Epps experience and institutional knowledge — he was a key starter on the Eagles’ 2022 Super Bowl team — won him the job. Now comes the hard part for Epps: Can he keep the job all season? Carter will be gunning for it every week. — Novozinsky

    Michael Carter II will have a key role after a productive training camp and preseason. Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    Michael Carter II

    College: Duke | Years pro: 5 | 5-10, 184

    With Mukuba and Epps the likely Week 1 starters at safety, Carter figures to serve as the next safety off the bench. He is the expected backup to DeJean at nickel cornerback, too. Fangio also revealed that Carter will be the sixth defensive back on the field in the dime package. Even though it always seemed like Epps was the frontrunner for the starting safety vacancy this offseason, Fangio said Carter did “nothing but [help] himself” with his performance in camp. — Reiner

    Specialists (3)

    Jake Elliott

    College: Memphis | Years pro: 9 | 5-9, 167

    Elliott is coming off of another shaky season in which he went 20-for-27 on his field goal attempts (74.1% conversion rate; his second-lowest rate of the regular season). He is 48-for-63 over the last two regular seasons (76.2%). Still, the Eagles displayed their confidence in the 31-year-old kicker this offseason by restructuring his contract in 2026, agreeing on a $1 million pay cut but guaranteeing $5 million. He did not have any competitors in camp, further reinforcing that the job is his to keep so long as he can establish consistency. — Reiner

    Braden Mann (10) and Jake Elliott (right) are back, but will have a new teammate doing the snapping on kicks. Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    Braden Mann

    College: Texas A&M | Years pro: 6 | 5-11, 198

    Mann had a good offseason. The 28-year-old punter got paid in March, signing a four-year, $14 million contract extension, and he looked rock solid in training camp. He’s a practice squad success story, with the Eagles initially picking him up from the Steelers in 2023. — Novozinsky

    Rocco Underwood

    College: Florida | Years pro: 1st | 6-3, 240

    The Eagles had stability at long snapper from 2000-2024, with Mike Bartrum, Jon Dorenbos and Rick Lovato all being good enough to earn multiple contracts. They’re hoping Underwood can be that next guy — though things aren’t off to the best start. Underwood, who has shown potential in the past, winning the 2024 Patrick Mannelly Award for the nation’s best long snapper, had a rough start to training camp due to a few bad snaps. He’s since turned it around, but it’s hard to forget those early mistakes. For now, they’ll have to deal with his possible inconsistency and bank on his potential. — Novozinsky

  • Eagles WR coach believes Makai Lemon has ‘done a great job’ despite a slow start to his career

    Eagles WR coach believes Makai Lemon has ‘done a great job’ despite a slow start to his career

    It has not been an ideal summer for Makai Lemon.

    He had a quiet OTAs. He missed the majority of training camp. Then, when he finally played in the Eagles’ final preseason game, he struggled, recording just 3 yards on three catches and a drop that led to an interception.

    Time to hit the panic button? The Eagles certainly aren’t.

    The 53-man roster is here, but a big mystery remains. Can the Eagles be patient with Makai Lemon and Eli Stowers?

    “He’s done a good job,” said wide receivers coach Aaron Moorehead. “I mean, Makai, like any rookie, is going to have things that [they do] really well and things that he is going to have to improve on. …
You’re correcting everything, you’re praising everything, and you’re just allowing the guys to be in the best free position to go out there and play their best.”

    Moorehead added that Lemon, the Eagles’ No. 20 pick in the first round of April’s draft, is still going through the motions after he missed nearly three weeks of training camp with a hamstring injury. Fellow Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith was sidelined the majority of camp too, but as Moorehead noted, it’s far easier for a veteran like Smith to ramp up than a rookie.

    What’s the biggest hurdle Lemon must overcome following his injury?

    Makai Lemon was sidelined for nearly three weeks of training camp with a hamstring injury.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    “It’s really just timing,” Moorehead said. “That’s really the big thing is this timing and getting on the same page with everybody and making sure that they’re kind of pressing forward.

    “With Makai, we had to come up with creative ways to get him walk-throughs and get him doing different things that he could do while he was out. He couldn’t physically run, but he could walk through things or we could talk through things, and we could have him hear it, break the huddle, and go where he needed to go, just to catch him up that way. It wasn’t the most fun thing in the world. I know he wanted to be out there and we know we all wanted him to be out there, but that’s what you do. You sacrifice your time, you sacrifice your energy to get to where you want to go. He really took it really well.”

    Eagles add running back Jaydon Blue as they complete their initial practice squad moves

    It’s clear the Eagles’ top brass isn’t panicking because of Lemon’s college resumé. Lemon starred at Southern Cal last season, earning unanimous All-American honors by finishing with 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns. There’s a reason the Eagles traded up in the first round with the rival Dallas Cowboys in order to pick him.

    General manager Howie Roseman raved about Lemon and the rest of position group in a press conference on Monday.

    “The receiver core, obviously you would’ve liked them to be together a little bit more here through the summer but have a lot of confidence in that group,” Roseman said. “I think it’s a talented group from top to bottom. All those guys, they play different roles. It starts with Smitty, who I don’t think it’s a secret how high we are on him. Tay’s [Dontayvion Wicks] exactly what we thought he would be. Obviously, prior to the regular season, going into the regular season, have tremendous confidence in Makai Lemon, Hollywood Brown. Everyone saw Coop [Darius Cooper] and the growth that he showed and development that he showed.”

  • The 53-man roster is here, but a big mystery remains. Can the Eagles be patient with Makai Lemon and Eli Stowers?

    The 53-man roster is here, but a big mystery remains. Can the Eagles be patient with Makai Lemon and Eli Stowers?

    The Eagles’ drafts from 2021 to 2024 were successful, first and foremost, because the team identified talented prospects, particularly in the first three rounds. But hardly ever forcing a positional need with a draft pick expanded the pool and decreased the expectations that often come attached with being selected early.

    Makai Lemon wasn’t necessarily drafted in the first round to replace A.J. Brown. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman had the parameters for a trade that would move the discontented wide receiver to the New England Patriots in place by the time Lemon was chosen with the 20th pick overall. But Roseman had already begun the process of restructuring the position.

    It wasn’t a complete rebuild, of course. DeVonta Smith was returning as the now-bona fide No. 1 receiver. But Roseman signed free agents Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore and traded for Dontayvion Wicks by the time the draft arrived. Having them already on the roster would allow Roseman the freedom to take a receiver in the first round and potentially not rush him.

    Eagles reveal 53-man roster, keep four quarterbacks amid cuts

    But what became apparent over the course of training camp was that the Eagles had not only intended for Lemon to play meaningful snaps from the jump, they needed him to start in the slot. Wicks, Brown and Moore all had their moments during the summer — to varying degrees — but the dropoff from Smith was significant.

    Lemon, meanwhile, missed three weeks — including the increasingly important joint practices with the Patriots — with a recurring hamstring injury and didn’t play in the preseason until Saturday’s finale vs. the Cincinnati Bengals.

    It was a small sample, but he looked far from ready to make an impact. He was receiving passes from a quarterback he hardly worked with in camp, but it wasn’t as if he had popped when Jalen Hurts was throwing during practices in which he was healthy.

    The Eagles knew that tight end Eli Stowers would likely need more development, particularly as a blocker. But they had envisioned a scenario in which he would thrive as the “F” tight end on passing downs, much as Zach Ertz did in his first season with the team 13 years ago.

    Eli Stowers struggled to make an impact in camp and did not work with the first-team offense. Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    But Stowers never worked with Hurts in team drills throughout camp. And just when it seemed like he was making progress, a hamstring injury put him on the shelf for the final week of the preseason. Even before the injury, there was a question of whether the former quarterback would be active for the season opener on Sept. 13.

    Roseman isn’t panicking — at least on the surface.

    “This is the only business that you look at how guys are doing right away and sometimes there are early judgements made. Any other business there’s a long-term view,” Roseman said when asked about Lemon and Stowers contributing right away. “And we see it on our roster, guys how they have developed over two, three, four years. And I understand there are big resources into those guys — first- and second-round picks.

    Eagles name initial 13-player practice squad, including international prospects Uar Bernard and Joshua Weru

    “Tremendous confidence in who those guys are as players, what their skill set is. Obviously, they had some setbacks here physically and we looked at that as a staff and a group and maybe can figure out some changes here to get those guys going a little bit sooner from a skill position perspective.

    “But don’t have any doubt about what they’re going to be in the NFL over time. Still believe they’re going to contribute to our 2026 team.”

    That may end up the case. But Roseman’s 53-man roster construction suggests he went deeper at receiver and tight end than he did a year ago to account for Lemon’s and Stowers’ stunted starts.

    Moore, as the sixth receiver, could shoulder some of the load on concepts designed for Lemon if he struggles early. And while EJ Jenkins, as the fourth tight end, won’t factor much as a pass catcher, his blocking ability will allow for Dallas Goedert to line up more in the “F” role.

    Howie Roseman did not make a trade as the roster came together, but will continue to look for ways to improve the roster. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Roseman’s actions, ultimately, will demonstrate how he feels about both positions. He’s yet to make a trade during this period — which is uncharacteristic — but he has a week until on-field preparation for the Washington Commanders begins and has other avenues to add players if necessary.

    But Roseman seems to want to follow his own advice, which is to be patient. And that may apply to the new offensive system as much as it does the youngsters. Coordinator Sean Mannion kept his cards close in camp, joint practices, and the preseason. But the offense was objectively scattershot.

    “I think that there has to be a level of patience about how guys are going to look,” Roseman said. “We’re not showing everything in the preseason. That’s not what anyone’s doing. You get an opportunity. The first four games of the season have always been kind of another ramp-up period for your football team.

    Answering your AMA questions about the Eagles roster: Zach Ertz return? QB plan? Trades possible?

    “You get an opportunity to evaluate. The trade deadline’s a long way away.”

    And this year the deadline was extended a week to Nov. 10. But Roseman doesn’t have to wait that long to address a need, and he doesn’t even have to part with a commodity if he wants someone sooner.

    Ertz is on the street and available. There’s a question about his recovery from the knee injury that ended his season last December with Washington. But the 35-year-old is open to returning and finishing his career where it started. And he could step into the “F” spot, while also being the ideal mentor to Stowers.

    “First, I’d say what an unbelievable player, what an unbelievable person, tremendous respect for him,” Roseman said when asked about Ertz. “At the same time, love what we have going in our tight end room, too.”

    Could decorated tight end and fan favorite Zach Ertz be an option for the Eagles? DAVID MAIALETTI / Staff Photographer

    Goedert will run the majority of routes in the new scheme that asks for more point-of-attack blocking from its “Y” tight ends. That’s why Johnny Mundt was signed in the offseason and why Jenkins got the nod over Cameron Latu, who was claimed off waivers by New England.

    “You see in this league where the position is going, where it’s trending,” Roseman said. “A lot of similar offensive systems to some of the things we’re running where these “Y” tight ends, they’re highly valued in free agency, they’re highly valued in the draft.”

    And they may have even more value in the Eagles’ version of the Kyle Shanahan-Sean McVay offense because its effectiveness will likely be contingent on how well they can run the ball. There have been signs that the new wide-zone blocking scheme will capitalize on strengths at offensive line and running back.

    Eagles rookie Makai Lemon ‘glad’ his rough NFL debut happened in the preseason and not September

    But the health of the O-line, in particular left guard Landon Dickerson and 36-year-old right tackle Lane Johnson, warrants monitoring. And if defenses are once again allowed to focus on slowing Saquon Barkley, the deficiencies of the pass offense could be exposed.

    And A.J. Brown, despite his issues last season, won’t be around to alter coverages and win one-on-ones. And it’s unclear whether Roseman did enough to offset his departure, especially if Lemon and Stowers need significant time.

    Jalen Hurts (left) will have to find a way to get by in the post-A.J. Brown era. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    For the first time since Nick Sirianni became coach and Hurts his starting quarterback, there is some mystery to the offense. The element of surprise could be a good thing vs. defenses. Or it could be bad, with even Roseman unsure of how it will look.

    Either way, the quarterback will be central to how it unfolds.

    “I think Jalen’s adjusted really well to the new offense. Now again, we’re at a moment in time, we haven’t played a game,” Roseman said. “This isn’t in reference to Jalen; this is in reference to anything else. I think that a lot of the things that we’ll do during the regular season when we have game plans, I think from an offensive perspective, they’re going to be different than what we’ve done in the past.

    “Jalen’s embraced it. He’s excited about it, and obviously we’ve got to be better than we were last year.”

    Even if that’s a relatively low bar to clear, it is an uncertainty.

  • Eagles rookie Makai Lemon ‘glad’ his rough NFL debut happened in the preseason and not September

    Eagles rookie Makai Lemon ‘glad’ his rough NFL debut happened in the preseason and not September

    On the first play from scrimmage Friday night, Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee faked a handoff and rolled right. His eyes found rookie first-round pick Makai Lemon in the flat, and McKee hit the wide receiver for a modest three-yard gain.

    Lemon, who missed nearly three weeks with a hamstring injury and saw his first preseason action during the team’s 30-13 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, caught three passes Friday night for a grand total of three yards. He was targeted five times. On one of the misses, Bengals corner Tacario Davis provided tight coverage on a sideline route. On the other, McKee fired a short pass toward Lemon on a third-and-7 from the Bengals’ 27-yard line — a rare series Friday night where the Eagles could have scored a touchdown — only to have the ball hit his hands and deflect into the waiting hands of Davis.

    McKee said he could have put that throw in a better spot, but Lemon took ownership of the turnover.

    “It’s a drop,” he said after the game. “It hit my hands. It went through my hands. I got to catch them.

    “Dropping the ball like that — glad it happened in the preseason so come around September things like that won’t happen.”

    Lemon’s NFL debut, while in a meaningless game, did not go as planned, and the 20th overall pick has not had an ideal summer in the lead-up to his first NFL season. He missed time during the offseason program with a hamstring injury on the same leg that sidelined him this month.

    The Eagles have been installing a new offense under a first-year coordinator in Sean Mannion. They are moving on to life without A.J. Brown. But Lemon and DeVonta Smith missed significant time during training camp with hamstring injuries, and Lemon has had limited time to work extensively with Jalen Hurts.

    While the Eagles rested the vast majority of their projected starters, Nick Sirianni said the team dressed and played Lemon because he hadn’t played in the preseason yet and, as a rookie, Sirianni felt like he needed reps during the exhibition schedule.

    “Few opportunities, but we’ll look at it,” Sirianni said. “There’s gonna be ups and downs for every player. There’s gonna be good plays, bad plays. Obviously, he’s going to want that catch back on third down, to be able to hang onto that, not cause a turnover that basically led to points. We’ve seen some good things throughout his practices where we’re feeling good about his development. He’s got to continue to develop. Young player that we know we’re going to be able to count on this year.”

    Lemon played the entire first half and did not take a snap on offense during the second half. He did, however, field a punt late in the third quarter. That, too, wasn’t perfect. Cincinnati’s punter, Ryan Rehkow, did not hit the ball well. It fluttered toward Lemon, who had to come forward before letting the ball bounce. The ball caromed awkwardly between Lemon’s legs. The receiver picked up the ball and quickly was tackled.

    “Punts aren’t always going to be right to you,” Lemon said. “I just got to make sure I stay on my task, stay ready so when things like that happen in the game, when they do come about, I’m ready.”

    It’s unclear if Lemon will be relied on to return punts during the regular season, though he said he would be willing if called upon. He returned just six total punts in college, all during the 2025 season.

    How the Eagles use Lemon come Week 1 remains to be seen. The rookie used his time away from practice to focus on mental reps, but after sitting out the joint practices in New England, Friday offered his first chance at real reps against another opponent.

    “I’m really hard on myself; I’m a perfectionist,” he said. “When things like that do come about I just got to forget about it and move on.”

    Asked if he was prepared for Sept. 13, when the Eagles host Washington, Lemon said he feels ready, “but we still got some time,” he said.

    “I got to make sure I lock in each week.”

  • Eagles grades: Tanner McKee struggles, Makai Lemon debuts in preseason finale loss to Bengals

    Eagles grades: Tanner McKee struggles, Makai Lemon debuts in preseason finale loss to Bengals

    Instant grades on the Eagles’ performance in their 30-13 preseason loss to the Cincinnati Bengals:

    Quarterback: C-

    The winner of the No. 2 job is still unclear. Can both lose? Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton have been that uninspiring. The preseason finale offered more questionable quarterback play. There have been only glimmers.

    McKee got his first start of this preseason after Dalton started the first two games. He played the entire first half. It was a brutal watch. McKee completed 12 of 22 passes, but for only 55 yards. He underthrew and overthrew receivers, looked timid in the pocket, and ultimately became a check-down artist.

    Eagles close out winless preseason with uneven 30-13 loss to Bengals; roster cuts are up next

    McKee didn’t exactly have the best players around him. There were several drops, one that resulted in his lone interception. But receivers were also schemed open. Britain Covey got separation off a nifty double move for a would-be touchdown, but McKee completely overshot him.

    Dalton took over in the second half. Like McKee last week vs. the New England Patriots, he outplayed his competition in relief. He completed 12 of 19 passes for 104 yards and a touchdown — and with a few lesser players at certain spots.

    Dalton had some shaky moments, too. And when given the opportunity to engineer a go-ahead, fourth-quarter drive, he and the offense couldn’t get the job done.

    On Dalton’s first series, he airmailed a third-down throw over an open Covey. He did better on his next turn. He got to his third read on a third-down conversion to receiver Quez Watkins. Later in the possession, he hit receiver Danny Gray for 26 yards over the middle. A series later, Dalton did well to avoid the rush and throw across his body for a 12-yard completion, and he drove the Eagles to their lone trip into the end zone.

    Rookie Cole Payton came in late in the fourth quarter. He continued to hold the ball too long when he dropped. His passing wasn’t much better. In Payton’s defense, he hasn’t practiced much the last few weeks. The Eagles will take a long view with the fifth-round draft pick.

    Payton must really want to play, though. He was in on the cover unit for the Eagles’ first punt.

    Running back: B

    Will Shipley was rewarded with a rest day after his impressive performance in the second preseason game. That gave Dameon Pierce, who missed most of camp with a hamstring injury, the nod to open the game. He looked strong and decisive in four carries for 44 yards. Pierce had a rumbling, bumbling 16-yard run in the first quarter. He did have a couple drops as a pass catcher and left early after an apparent injury.

    Carson Steele got in the game in the second quarter. Like last week, he stood out more as a receiver. He broke a tackle as a receiver and picked up a first down. Steele later had a 17-yard reception that also included a broken tackle. He caught a 5-yard touchdown out of the backfield in the third quarter.

    Steele also rushed eight times for 24 yards.

    Receiver/Tight end: C-

    Makai Lemon got his first NFL preseason action after missing the first two games because of a hamstring strain. It was a tentative beginning. McKee went to him early and often. The first pass was underthrown for just a 3-yard catch. The second was an out pattern where Lemon got a little separation, but Bengals corner Tacario Davis broke up the pass.

    Eagles wide receiver Makai Lemon missed most of training camp with a hamstring injury.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Lemon later had a McKee delivery sail through his hands that was intercepted by Davis. It was thrown a touch behind him, but the ball should have been caught. The Eagles seem intent on starting Lemon right away, but he still seems green.

    Receiver Darius Cooper was among several who played in the first two preseason games but got the night off, virtually assuring his place on the 53-man roster. Elijah Moore had a couple first-half grabs for 10 yards. Covey got open often and had two grabs for 20 yards. He dusted his man on the double move. Too bad McKee overshot him. Gray caught a 26-yard pass over the middle off play action in the third quarter. He had a couple other grabs.

    Eli Stowers missed another chance to get live repetitions before the season. The rookie tight end was sidelined with a hamstring injury he suffered last week. Tight end Cameron Latu caught a 10-yard pass in the second quarter, but stopped his route when targeted on the next play. Latu later couldn’t reel in a Dalton pass. He had a solid wham block on Pierce’s first carry for eight yards. E.J. Jenkins dropped a strike from McKee in the first quarter.

    Stone Smartt had two catches for 10 yards.

    Final Eagles 53-man roster prediction: Will all four quarterbacks make the initial roster? It’s possible.

    Offensive line: B-

    The blocking up front was solid, all things considered. While it’s not clear if Willie Lampkin was held out because of injury or because he already has made the team, Drew Kendall was among the non-injured Eagles who played last week to be inactive. Either way, both interior linemen are virtual locks to make the roster after strong summers. Rookie tackle Markel Bell probably would have gotten one more test before the opener, but he was held out with thumb and leg injuries.

    Fred Johnson’s roster spot isn’t as secure. He started at right tackle and didn’t make any obvious errors. Johnson was also the first O-lineman to get pulled — a good sign he’ll make the cut. Jake Majors started at center and played the first three quarters. He did well to climb to the second level and lead the way on Pierce’s 16-yard carry. Majors is also a solid guard, but he could be on the outside looking in by Sunday. The same could be said for left tackle John Ojukwu and right guard Michael Jordan. All three are still NFL-caliber, but the Eagles will invest in youth.

    Left guard Micah Morris got driven back in the second quarter on a run play that netted just a yard. But Morris continued to show enough promise to make the roster as a rookie. Cameron Williams replaced Johnson at right tackle and promptly got roasted off the edge. McKee’s arm was moving forward, however, and a strip sack was reversed to an incompletion. Myles Hinton didn’t get in until the fourth quarter.

    Defensive line: C-

    The effort was there, and so were some highlights, but the front just didn’t have the numbers to compete all night. Ty Robinson didn’t get home for a sack as he did in the first two preseason games, but the defensive tackle didn’t play as much. Robinson did draw a holding penalty in the first quarter.

    Eagles general manager Howie Roseman (left) and coach Nick Sirianni opted to protect most of their starters in the preseason.Monica Herndon / Staff Photo

    Gabe Hall started slow. He vacated his gap assignment and the Bengals had a nice run on their first play from scrimmage. But he finished strong and showed impressive closing speed and hit quarterback Sean Clifford in the third quarter.

    A.J. Epenesa and Arnold Ebiketie started at outside linebacker and played just a few series. Epenesa set the edge on an early run stuff. Ebiketie generated pressure on an early third down that resulted in an incomplete pass.

    Keyshawn James-Newby made a late plea to make the team after missing most of camp. The edge ripped the ball out for a fumble with a second effort. Earlier, he flashed on back-to-back plays in the second quarter when he ran down Bengals quarterback Josh Johnson for a sack and then pressured him into an errant throw. James-Newby drew a holding penalty in the fourth quarter.

    The Eagles’ two foreign exchange students, as defensive coordinator Vic Fangio likes to call them, struggled. Defensive tackle Uar Bernard and edge Joshua Weru may make the 53-man roster because of the team’s belief in their promise, but the future isn’t now. Bernard’s agility tangibles pop off the screen, but he understandably looks lost at times. Weru is more refined, but he needs to get stronger. He committed an early illegal use of the hands penalty.

    Linebacker: C-

    The Eagles allowed more than 150 yards on the ground and a lot of those yards were on the off-ball linebackers. There were a lot of missed tackles. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. was another who played in the first two preseason games and did not dress.

    Smael Mondon wasn’t given that luxury, although he’s assured a roster spot. He started in the middle and was all over a screen pass that resulted in a loss. Chance Campbell was his counterpart. He’s a physical defender. He could sneak in. Campbell won at the point of attack vs. a pulling tight end and made a run stop. Deontae Lawson took over for Mondon. He made some poor reads as a run defender and was out of his gap a few times.

    Cornerback: C

    Kelee Ringo started opposite Mac McWilliams on the outside. He had an early pass breakup and got an early hook. Ringo won’t be getting a call on Sunday.

    McWilliams got beat deep over the middle for 25 yards on the Bengals’ first drive. He surrendered another first down on the next series, and then the next, and then another. He might have the roster made, but it shouldn’t be certain.

    Eagles safety Andre Sam was carted off with an injury on Friday.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    Kapena Gushiken started in the slot and was targeted early on a few completions. He moved to safety on the second series and back to slot and got rubbed out on the Bengals’ second touchdown in the third quarter.

    Shaun Wade got toasted by a double move in the first quarter. He did have a pass breakup a quarter later. Ambry Thomas was shaky once again. Isaiah Bolden got hurt late.

    Safety: C-

    Michael Carter II made the team, but he likely played because the Eagles wanted to give him more exposure at safety. He tied up a tight end on a fade into the end zone on the opening possession. He later swapped spots with Gushiken and was yanked before the half.

    Andre Sam broke up an early pass. A few plays later, Sam made a play on the ball from the post but couldn’t pull in the interception. He forced a fumble that the Bengals retained in the third quarter. Sam left when he was carted off with a likely significant leg injury.

    The safety play was sloppy after Carter and Sam left. Maximus Pulley finished with seven tackles. Cole Wisniewski was back on the bench after suffering a concussion last week.

    Special teams: B+

    Kicker Jake Elliott needed three games to attempt his first field goal of the preseason. He converted from 45 yards out before the half and got another chance on the opening possession of the second and nailed a 56-yarder. Punter Braden Mann averaged 40.6 net yards on five punts.

    Lemon was deep to field a punt in the third quarter and casually handled a squirter in which he lost a yard. Gushiken made a strong open-field tackle as a gunner on the punt cover team. Mims punched the ball and the Eagles recovered on the opening kickoff of the second half.

    Rookie long snapper Rocco Underwood didn’t make any noticeable errors, but he may not survive post-waiver wire signings next week.

    Coaching: C

    Nick Sirianni’s decision — or should we say general manager Howie Roseman’s — to rest Jalen Hurts and most of his starters didn’t come as a surprise. The Eagles avoided serious injuries and have previously proved that you don’t have to play in the preseason to win in Week 1. But with offensive coordinator Sean Mannion installing a new offense and Hurts and Co. struggling in camp, it could come into question if the unit is sloppy in the opener. Time will tell.

    Mannion called plays in the booth for the second straight game. He didn’t deviate much from the vanilla play-calling of the first two games. He will get to display his arsenal for the first time in a few weeks. Fangio is looking forward to having his massively talented first unit on the field in a few weeks.

  • Makai Lemon has all of the opportunity in the world. The Eagles need him to seize it.

    Makai Lemon has all of the opportunity in the world. The Eagles need him to seize it.

    There is a piece of math that makes it awfully difficult to assume anything about Sean Mannion’s offense.

    It’s a piece of math that is either working in strong favor of or in strong disfavor of Makai Lemon. It depends on how the rookie feels about pressure.

    The expectations for the Eagles’ 2026 first-round pick should be a lot higher. Because the bar is high. And he is the only one who has the skill set to clear it.

    Let’s start with the math. Specifically, with the number 142.9. That’s how many targets A.J. Brown averaged per 17 games during his four seasons with the Eagles.

    Add to that 34.5, the number of targets that Jahan Dotson averaged per 17 games in his two seasons with the Eagles.

    Our total is 177.4.

    Which brings us to the most critical number: 66.5.

    That’s how many targets Dontayvion Wicks has averaged per 17 games in three NFL seasons.

    As the signs will say in London in Week 5: Mind the gap!

    Jeff McLane’s 53-man roster predictions

    One thing you can safely say about the Eagles offense in its first year under Mannion: some wide receiver is going to have a breakout season, or the defense is going to need to win them a lot of games.

    The other options are outliers. Even if the offensive line recaptures the bodily spirit of 2024, are the Eagles really going to average nearly 5 yards per carry without somebody drawing Brown’s level of gravity opposite DeVonta Smith? If not, are they really going to run the ball 621 times while passing it only 448? If not, are the Eagles really going to put up championship-caliber point totals with Smith accounting for a third of the targets and yards?

    DeVonta Smith figures to be the main beneficiary among Eagles receivers after A.J. Brown’s departure.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    The breakout certainly could be Smith’s. Plenty of folks inside and outside of the Eagles organization have murmured Jaxon Smith-Njigba and DK Metcalf when hypothesizing about Smith in his post-Brown chapter. Last season, after the Seahawks traded Metcalf to the Steelers, Smith-Njigba’s target share jumped from 137 to 163 and his yardage from 1,130 to 1,793. In other words, he turned from Smith into a supersized Brown.

    Hayes: Andy Dalton? Tanner McKee? Please. The Eagles lack a real backup quarterback. Unusual. Unsettling.

    In the event of such a breakout from Smith, the Eagles wouldn’t necessarily need anything greater than replacement-level production from the rest of the Eagles’ receiving corps. Last season, the only Seahawks receiver other than Smith-Njigba with more than 26 targets or 188 yards was the ghost of Cooper Kupp, who finished with 47 catches and 593 yards.

    But, like we said, that’s an outlier.

    One can argue that the Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, and Kansas City Chiefs offer alternate hypotheticals for life without a true No. 2.

    Denver made it to last year’s AFC championship game with Troy Franklin’s 65 catches and 709 yards in the second chair behind Courtland Sutton’s 74 and 1,017.

    Jalen Hurts isn’t sweating the Eagles’ continued search for an offensive identity: ‘It’ll come together’

    The Bills had the second-highest scoring offense in the NFL in 2024 with Khalil Shakir leading the way at 100 targets and 821 yards. That was the year after they parted ways with Stefon Diggs.

    The Chiefs had the NFL’s highest-scoring offense in 2022, the year after they traded away Tyreek Hill. Their top wideout was JuJu Smith-Schuster, who had 101 targets and 933 yards.

    The rebuttals are easy.

    The Chiefs had Travis Kelce, who filled the Hill vacuum with a career-high 152 targets and 110 catches for 1,338 yards. If Dallas Goedert does that, great. He’s the breakout. Otherwise, Smith-Schuster’s 933 yards would be a heck of a season for Lemon or Wicks.

    Jalyx Hunt is fine with you noticing his ascent. Just don’t call the Eagles pass rusher a breakout player.

    The Broncos and Bills traded significant draft capital for receivers this offseason; Jaylen Waddle headed to Denver from Miami, and D.J. Moore went to Buffalo from Chicago. Both served as verdicts on a by-committee approach at wide receiver.

    There’s a lot we don’t know about Mannion and how his scheme will express itself. There’s even more we do not know about how Jalen Hurts and the rest of the Eagles’ talent will play without a generational wide receiver on one side of the field and Smith on the other.

    But we can venture to say that nobody besides Lemon or Smith has the potential to maintain the Eagles’ aggregate WR1/WR2 production. Ours is not the first fan base or media contingent to sell themselves on best-case scenarios for Wicks, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, or Elijah Moore. Those players are here for a reason. Their sample sizes are more than large enough.

    Willie Lampkin made his name as a wrestling champion. For his next act, he’s become one of the Eagles’ best camp stories.

    That’s one of two reasons Lemon is the player most integral to the Eagles’ 2026 hopes. The second is that he has the ability.

    The Eagles traded up a spot and snaked the Steelers for a reason. He isn’t your typical late first-round receiver. There is plenty of maturity and present-day NFL value evident in his game tape. He doesn’t have the outlier physical or athletic measurable of a potential generational performer like Brown. But he has the technical skills and toughness that play immediately in the NFL.

    We have not heard much of Lemon this last month. Summer-long soft tissue injuries have a knack of doing that to rookies. The big question is whether the time he has lost can quickly be regained.

    That’s true for Lemon individually. It’s just as true for the Eagles’ offense overall.

  • Eagles practice observations: Riq Woolen intercepts Jalen Hurts twice; Another big day for D; DeVonta Smith still awesome

    Eagles practice observations: Riq Woolen intercepts Jalen Hurts twice; Another big day for D; DeVonta Smith still awesome

    The Eagles held the 16th open practice of their 2026 training camp on Tuesday at Lincoln Financial Field. Here were my observations from Day 16 (and links to Days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15):

    Stowers update

    Eli Stowers missed a second straight practice with a hamstring injury that he suffered in the second preseason game against the New England Patriots. The rookie tight end is expected to be out for about two weeks, from what I understand. If he’s healthy by the Wednesday before Week 1 of the regular season, he could be available for the season opener.

    Jalyx Hunt is fine with you noticing his ascent. Just don’t call the Eagles pass rusher a breakout player.

    The following Eagles were also held out because of injury: Tackle Markel Bell (thumb/leg), cornerback Jonathan Jones (shoulder), tight end Grant Calcaterra (back), cornerback Jakorian Bennett (knee) and safety Cole Wisniewski (concussion). Cornerback Mac McWilliams (shoulder) was limited.

    The Eagles had a number of players make full returns from injury, including center/guard Willie Lampkin (stinger), defensive tackle Byron Young (shoulder), running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring), tackle John Ojukwu (pectoral), wide receiver Quez Watkins (foot), cornerback Ambry Thomas (groin), and receiver Danny Gray (groin).

    Eagles fans were back at the Linc and witnessed a defense-dominated display. Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    Oh, O-line

    Guard Landon Dickerson was given a not-injury-related rest day. Whether it’s a coincidence or not, he tore the meniscus in his knee during last year’s open practice at the Linc. The Eagles may have sat him to stay away from potential bad juju. Dickerson rushed back from surgery in time for the opener a year ago, but recently said that he should have waited until he was fully recovered.

    Drew Kendall took all the repetitions at left guard in Dickerson’s place. He had his ups and downs in a scrimmage that favored the Eagles defense, particularly the first unit. Kendall got toasted by defensive tackle Moro Ojomo on an inside rush that resulted in a sack at one point. Right tackle Lane Johnson left early not long after edge Nolan Smith Jr. beat him inside for a hurry. Fred Johnson took his spot with Bell out. Ojukwu got bumped up the depth chart and filled in the few times left tackle Jordan Mailata took a rest.

    DeVonta Smith (right) was an offensive standout and gave Eagles fans something about which to cheer. Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    D-lightful

    The makeshift O-line likely had something to do with the struggles of Jalen Hurts and Co. The quarterback was pressured a bunch. But Sean Mannion’s unit was often out of sync except for a couple successful red-zone plays and one good drive after being backed up. Hurts’ two interceptions to cornerback Riq Woolen will make headlines — as they should for both parties — but there were a lot of reasons why the first-unit offense looked sloppy.

    Riq Woolen feels like ‘a rookie again’ with the Eagles. His prove-it year is big for him and the Birds.

    Credit has to be given to Vic Fangio’s group. He’s had all of his starters for most of the summer and that same 11 was in the lineup again. Mannion’s installation has been completed for over a week, so there isn’t much new to throw at the defense. The group knows the plays, the snap count, and often what’s coming before it even happens.

    On the first series, Hurts hit receiver Dontayvion Wicks for a short gain and Saquon Barkley had a solid run to the left, but it was mostly defensive dominance thereafter. Safety Marcus Epps snuffed out a Hurts draw play. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter met Barkley at the line of scrimmage for a stop. Hurts hooked up with receiver DeVonta Smith after getting forced to his right. But his pass to receiver Makai Lemon on an inside route was broken up by cornerback Quinyon Mitchell.

    Jalen Hurts and the offense remains a work in progress. Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    Hurts so much

    The next set was less productive for the offense or more fruitful for the defense — take your pick. Hurts went to Lemon on a schemed-up pass off play-action, but cornerback Cooper DeJean was in the receiver’s pocket. Smith burned Mitchell on a deep post route, but Hurts’ pass was underthrown and Mitchell recovered to break up the pass. Smith is clearly head and shoulders above the rest of the Eagles’ receivers.

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    Jalyx Hunt made Fred Johnson look like a turnstile on the way to a would-be sack. Hurts continued the play and hit Wicks over the middle, but the play was given to the defense. Another short toss to Lemon netted few yards with cornerback Michael Carter II in tight coverage. Jalen Carter touched up Barkley for a stop. And when Hurts did well to roll away from an unblocked blitzer and found Smith as his outlet, the receiver dropped the ball. On the last play of the set, Hurts chucked the ball wide and out of bounds with a covered Smith.

    Jalen Hurts missed some throws behind a patchwork line but was more effective in the red zone. Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    Lemon aid

    Lemon has been getting a tutorial from DeJean, one of the best slots in the NFL. Mannion called for another quick hitter to the receiver off a naked bootleg, but with Hunt in Hurts’ mug, DeJean was all over Lemon by the time the ball arrived. Jalen Carter gifted the offense five yards when he jumped offside, but a Barkley outside zone run on the next play was blown up in the backfield. Hurts likely needed to check out of that call with so many defenders in the box.

    Eagles first-round wideout Makai Lemon talks hamstring injury, full return to practice: ‘I never want to be away from this game’

    It just got worse. A Fangio blitz collapsed the pocket, but Hurts still threw to Lemon on a crossing route. It wasn’t the greatest route and Woolen snatched the ball for his first interception of the night. An offensive false start followed. Hurts did hook up with receiver Darius Cooper on a button hook. And running back Tank Bigsby had decent gains up the middle on the ground.

    But Ojomo’s sack and another drop — this time from Cooper — ended the set.

    Fans watched as the Eagles defense defeated the offense by a count of 58-36, based on practice scoring. Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    Red zone district

    The offense rebounded in the red zone. On the first play from the 20-yard line, Barkley ran a sort-of corner route and got behind linebacker Zack Baun. Hurts’ throw was perfect and the running back made the catch for a touchdown.

    On the next red-zone possession, Barkley gobbled yards up the middle on first down. But on the next play, Hurts’ downfield throw to Lemon off play-action was broken up by Mitchell. The rookie receiver didn’t appear to get enough depth on his route. The ball went back to Lemon on his next pattern — when he motioned inside and ran a wheel route — and the defense didn’t account for him. He waltzed into the end zone untouched.

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    Back to back

    Hurts built off that modicum of success during the backup portion. A first-down run didn’t net many yards. In fact, it resulted in defensive tackle Jordan Davis hobbling off after he dinged his left arm. (He later returned, outfitted with a brace.) But Bigsby churned ahead on the ground on a couple carries. And Hurts again rolled away from the rush and found tight end Cam Latu for a first down.

    We got a rare glimpse of tight end Johnny Mundt in the backfield. The Bigsby rush was thwarted, but not exclusively because of Mundt’s lead block. A screen pass to Smith on the ensuing play was blown up by DeJean. But Hurts wisely kept feeding his best receiver. He rifled a dart to Smith on a comebacker ahead of Mitchell. And two plays later, tossed a strike to No. 6 just out of Woolen’s reach and Smith jetted upfield for chunk yards.

    A busted play that forced Hurts into a throwaway and DeJean snuffing out a Will Shipley draw forced another third down. But receiver Hollywood Brown got wide-open downfield and raced the last 10 yards untouched into the end zone.

    Saquon Barkley had a frustrating night on the ground in the open practice. Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    Two for two

    The first two-minute drill was an odd one as the offense worked on getting the defense to jump offside. Barkley and tight end Dallas Goedert looked back at their coaches upset or confused or something else when a couple of the tailback’s rushes were curtailed. Center Cam Jurgens walked out of the huddle and was replaced by Jake Majors. Jurgens didn’t appear hurt. But Hurts’ hard count finally did get an impatient Ojomo to jump. It wasn’t exactly riveting stuff for the fans.

    Nevertheless, the first units came out for one last hurry-up period. The offense got off to a solid start with a Barkley catch-and-run out of the backfield, a checkdown to Smith and a Hurts seed to Wicks over the middle. But when Hurts was pressured again by Hunt, he tried for Smith near the sideline. Woolen was in lockstep with the receiver, jumped the route and went the other way with the ball for a pick-six.

    Nick Sirianni gave Andy Dalton the first crack at No. 2 reps on Tuesday night. Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    Second best

    This was a night almost exclusively for the starters with fans in the house, and the final preseason game reserved for guys fighting to make the roster or the practice squad. There were some periods for the second and third units. Andy Dalton got the nod at quarterback as he and Tanner McKee continued to split snaps in their battle for the No. 2 job.

    Dalton overthrew Cooper on his first drop. But he got into a rhythm with receiver Elijah Moore and scored on their third connection when Moore found space on a crossing route and zigzagged into the end zone.

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    McKee had some good moments, too. He went to Brown for a couple quickies vs. zone coverage. He found Moore as his outlet vs. the blitz. And on fourth down, he hit tight end E.J. Jenkins on a short release. Shipley did the rest on the ground and scored when he ran off right tackle. McKee’s two-point conversion try in the back of the end zone went off Brown’s hands.

    McKee shined in the two-minute period. He hooked up with Cooper on a deep crosser and hit Moore on a 15-yard out. His downfield pass to Cooper was on target, but the receiver eased up his route and the ball sailed by. Cooper reacted as if he knew he messed up.

    Extra points

    The final score was Defense 58, Offense 36. … Rookie quarterback Cole Payton got a few reps in the backup period. … Britain Covey was again the first up to field punts, but Lemon took turns as well. If the Eagles believe the rookie can handle punts, it could make Covey expendable on game days … Shipley and Bigsby were paired as the first two kick returners. … The Eagles announced attendance of more than 45,000. Pennsylvania governor and noted Eagles fan Josh Shapiro was among them. … The Eagles will return to the Jefferson Health Training Complex for practice on Wednesday afternoon. They will have a closed walkthrough on Thursday ahead of Friday’s preseason finale at the Linc vs. the Cincinnati Bengals.

  • Eagles practice observations: DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon return to WR arsenal; Jalyx Hunt and Moro Ojomo dominate — again

    Eagles practice observations: DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon return to WR arsenal; Jalyx Hunt and Moro Ojomo dominate — again

    The Eagles held the 15th open practice of their 2026 training camp on Monday at the Jefferson Health Training Complex. Here were my observations from Day 15 (and links to Days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14):

    Makai retry

    Makai Lemon was a full participant for the first time since injuring his hamstring three weeks ago. While the rookie wide receiver was limited for Thursday’s joint practice with the New England Patriots, this was Lemon’s first opportunity to play in competitive periods. The next step will be practicing in full pads for Tuesday’s open practice. It’s unclear whether he’ll be active for Friday’s preseason finale vs. the Cincinnati Bengals. Lemon said afterward that he expects to be ready by the Sept. 13 season opener.

    Lemon confirmed that he strained the same hamstring he injured during spring workouts. He said he needed to be “more professional” off the field to avoid future soft-tissue injuries. The Eagles’ top draft pick has a fair amount of catching up to do if he wants to be an early focal part of the offense. He worked mostly out of the slot with the first unit. Eagles coaches aren’t backing off on Lemon — at least not yet.

    Eagles first-round wideout Makai Lemon talks hamstring injury, full return to practice: ‘I never want to be away from this game’

    A pass came his way early in 11-on-11s and the ball caromed off Lemon’s hands incomplete. It would have been a tough grab, but it appeared as if he eased up on his route over the middle. The importance of chemistry between a quarterback and a receiver cannot be overstated. It could take time before Jalen Hurts completely trusts the rookie. I watched his release off the line closely on several repetitions and there is a suddenness to his first move. Hurts went back to Lemon later on a short crosser. He was able to stop on a dime and turn upfield for a few extra yards.

    Eagles tight end Eli Stowers’ rough camp continued with an injury that sidelined him Monday. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Stowers sour

    Lemon’s return coincided with a setback for second-round rookie Eli Stowers. The tight end was sidelined with, yes, a hamstring injury. His chances of playing much on offense to start the season were always in jeopardy, considering the Eagles’ depth and his lack of blocking experience, but Stowers can’t afford to miss extensive time if he wants to at least be a part of special teams in Week 1.

    The following also suffered injuries during Saturday’s preseason game and were held out of practice: tackle Markel Bell (thumb/leg), center/guard Willie Lampkin (stinger), cornerback Mac McWilliams (shoulder), safety Cole Wisniewski (concussion), receiver Quez Watkins (foot), and cornerback Ambry Thomas (groin).

    Cornerback Jonathan Jones (shoulder), tight end Grant Calcaterra (back), and cornerback Jakorian Bennett (knee) were still not practicing. Defensive tackle Byron Young (shoulder), running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring), and tackle John Ojukwu (pectoral) returned and were limited. Receiver Danny Gray remained limited with a groin injury.

    Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith was back in action on Monday. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Receiving line

    Receivers DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and Elijah Moore (neck) also were back to being full-time participants. The offense looked different with a full arsenal of receivers, but Hurts had to relish having top guy Smith back in the fold. He hit the receiver on a dig route over the middle and ahead of cornerback Quinyon Mitchell during seven-on-sevens. Smith just needs to get to the season healthy.

    Hurts still sprinkled throws to most of his skill position players. His first two throws in seven-on-sevens went to tight end Dallas Goedert and receiver Dontayvion Wicks, who churned upfield for yards after the catch. Darius Cooper continued to get snaps with the starters even though Smith, Wicks and Lemon were the first three on the field in “11” personnel. Hurts hit Cooper on an intermediate route between the numbers.

    The play-action bootleg continued to pay dividends with completions to Wicks and Moore. Those are layup throws if the offense can sell the outside zone run fake, even if Hurts has to check down. The quarterback later hooked up with receiver Hollywood Brown on a deep corner route, although defensive tackle Jordan Davis may have been initially credited with a sack.

    Hunting Moro

    Hurts had to eat a number of his dropbacks or throw the ball away because he was either sacked or pressured out of the pocket. Defensive tackle Moro Ojomo got to the quarterback on two occasions. Outside linebacker Jalyx Hunt notched a would-be sack. He recorded an earlier tackle for loss and spun running back Tank Bigsby around.

    Ojomo and Hunt have been two of Vic Fangio’s top performers in camp. The former is in a contract year, while the latter could be playing for an early extension next offseason. I’m not saying they have extra motivation to play well this season, but it doesn’t hurt.

    Off target

    When Hurts had time to throw, the results were mixed. He hit Wicks on the run to his right, but his receiver was unable to get both feet inbounds. He went to Wicks again — this time on a slant — but Hurts’ pass was a missile and deflected off his receiver’s hands.

    Lemon motioned outside and Smith ran a little wheel route out of the slot later in the red zone, but Hurts’ pass was errant. Brown got behind safety Drew Mukuba on a deep post, but the pass sailed long. There were some other unfortunate moments: Running back Will Shipley got open over the middle, but linebacker Jihaad Campbell appeared to trip him up before the ball arrived.

    Hurts doesn’t often throw to Johnny Mundt, which could explain why the blocking tight end was unable to reel in a pass thrown slightly behind him.

    Saquon Barkley was featured Monday after not playing in the preseason game on Saturday. Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    Rushing roulette

    With the starters dormant for the previous three days, coaches gave the first units most of the reps in practice. Right tackle Lane Johnson and left guard Landon Dickerson didn’t take any rest plays off. The season is obviously inching closer. The O-line opened some creases for running back Saquon Barkley, who had several strong runs.

    Linebacker Zack Baun got to Barkley in the backfield when he was unblocked off the edge. But the tailback had a couple of positive runs to the perimeter. He had to jump around Dickerson when the guard fell back and nearly into his lap on one carry. And Lemon had trouble blocking on the outside on a stretch run later on. But offensive coordinator Sean Mannion’s run offense appears to be rounding into form after a strong first joint practice in New England.

    The Eagles’ second-unit O-line stood out in the preseason game, although injuries to Lampkin and Bell will warrant monitoring. Center/guard Drew Kendall projects as the first off the bench at the interior positions, however.

    Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert will be asked to block more at the point of attack this season. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Dallas does blocking

    Goedert has had a quiet camp compared to other years. He explored opportunities elsewhere the two prior offseasons, but is back on another one-year deal. Goedert was still an effective receiver last season. He had 60 catches and a team-high 11 touchdowns. But he’s 31 and clearly not as explosive.

    Blocking was an issue a year ago. He’ll be asked to do more of it at the point of attack this season. He got pushed back into Hurts during Monday’s practice and the quarterback was forced to eventually scramble out of bounds. Goedert had a reception on a run-pass-run option play, but he also later had a drop on an out route.

    Goedert motioned out of the fullback spot as a lead blocker for Barkley at one point. I can’t imagine he’ll fill that role in games. Mannion declined to reveal his plans for the fullback position. We’ve seen very little of it in camp, although Mundt, tight end Cameron Latu, and running back Carson Steele could be in-season candidates.

    Tanner McKee might have pulled ahead in the QB2 competition. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    It takes two

    If you’re a Tanner McKee fan looking for a morsel that he’s moved ahead of Andy Dalton in the backup quarterback competition, he was first up with the second-unit offense. It’s happened before, and Dalton took as many reps with the backups, but maybe it meant something this time around.

    McKee checked down on a naked bootleg and also found Bigsby, who made a defender miss in space. He later hit Cooper on a comeback route and had to throw the ball away on another play-action rollout. Dalton connected with Moore for a nice pickup, but his other snaps were either handoffs or a dropback in which he had to eat the play.

    Michael Carter II ran with the first-teamers on Monday. Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer

    This and that

    Hurts hit one of the peace sign thingamajigs that replicate pass rushers during seven-on-sevens. … Michael Carter II got some first-unit snaps at slot cornerback. … Johnson had a nice kickout block to spring Barkley. … Myles Hinton was the second-unit left tackle with Fred Johnson moving over to the right side for Bell. … Micah Morris was the second-unit left guard. The rookie played well vs. the Patriots.

    Extra points

    Defensive tackle Gabe Hall squeezed through on a pass rush, but he got crunched in a body pileup and limped off the field. … Noted golf architect Gil Hanse was a guest of Fangio’s. Hanse and his business partner Jim Wagner have been behind renovations of local classic Philadelphia courses like Merion Golf Club and Aronimink Country Club, host of this year’s PGA Championship. Fangio is around a 15 handicap, but is a notorious sandbagger. … The Eagles will hold their lone practice open to fans at Lincoln Financial Field on Tuesday at 6 p.m. They follow on Wednesday with a workout at the Jeff and will have a closed walkthrough on Thursday.

  • Eagles first-round wideout Makai Lemon talks hamstring injury, full return to practice: ‘I never want to be away from this game’

    Eagles first-round wideout Makai Lemon talks hamstring injury, full return to practice: ‘I never want to be away from this game’

    For the last few weeks, Makai Lemon has observed practices and preseason games from the sideline while hampered by another hamstring injury.

    Watching his teammates from that vantage point wasn’t exactly how the rookie receiver envisioned the start to his Eagles career.

    “You’re like, ‘Damn, I wish I could be out there with them,’” Lemon said Monday.

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    Lemon’s wish was granted late last week when he was a limited participant in Thursday’s joint practice against the New England Patriots. It was his first practice as a participant in any capacity since Aug. 3.

    He made more progress on Monday. The first-rounder out of USC was upgraded to a full participant in practice, taking a significant step in his preparation with the season opener against the Washington Commanders 20 days away.

    Lemon took part in team drills, both in seven-on-seven and 11-on-11.

    “It felt great,” Lemon said. “Definitely a blessing every time I’m able to step on the field. I never take it for granted.”

    His time spent off the field helped him gain that perspective. Lemon said he injured the same hamstring that sidelined him for a portion of the offseason program, forcing him to sit out once again.

    He said he felt “a little tweak” in his hamstring while bursting upfield. Lemon suggested that he hadn’t warmed up sufficiently, adding that the experience taught him to make sure that he’s being “more professional off the field” with his regimen.

    “I feel like it was definitely tough,” Lemon said. “I’m real competitive. I never want to be away from this game. So, me knowing that it’s a hamstring again, just making sure I take the right precautions. I’m learning from it, so it don’t happen again.”

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    He also learned the importance of taking mental reps. Even though his view from the sideline wasn’t ideal, Lemon said it allowed him to see the game from a different perspective.

    Mental reps are just as important as actual reps, Lemon asserted. Sean Mannion said he was “super engaged” in practice and the meeting room so he could jump back into action upon his return.

    Lemon also went through his rehab process with DeVonta Smith, who missed the same amount of time as the rookie receiver with a hamstring injury of his own. Like Lemon, Smith was a full participant in Monday’s practice for the first time since Aug. 3.

    Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion (right) talks with wide receiver Makai Lemon during team drills before a joint practice with the Patriots last week. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Lemon said the time he spent with Smith was valuable, as he was able to talk to the veteran about different aspects of the game.

    “Any time I’m able to get some game from him, I’m doing that,” Lemon said.

    On Monday, Lemon joined Smith and the starting offense in team drills. It was an unpadded practice that lasted approximately an hour. Lemon only caught a couple of short passes, but he took on a seemingly typical workload with the group.

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    Some of his snaps required him to run block, including one rep against Jalyx Hunt. The third-year outside linebacker said he learned a little bit about Lemon through his willingness to engage with him in the run game.

    “He didn’t shy away from it,” Hunt said. “He didn’t try to just get around me. He put hands on me and tried to really block me, and I respect that and that’s cool to see, ‘cause his demeanor on the field is totally different than who he is. He’s a laid-back guy. But on the field, he’s just a different energy.”

    After practice, Lemon spent extra time with Mannion running routes. The receiver called the new Eagles offensive coordinator “super helpful” as they worked on some of the finer details of the offense.

    Lemon is no stranger to post-practice work, even when he was sidelined. He spent time with Jalen Hurts and some of the other receivers, too, as he took more mental reps.

    “[Hurts] just wants the best for all the guys, and for him to work with me, work with all the guys, it’s only going to help the team,” Lemon said.

    The team will be put to the test for the first time in the regular season in less than three weeks. Lemon said he can “for sure” get back to his normal self by the home opener.

    But before the season begins, will Lemon suit up for the preseason finale against the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday? The Eagles have two more practices before the contest, including Tuesday night’s open practice at Lincoln Financial Field, and thus two more opportunities for Lemon to ramp up for game action.

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    He was hopeful, but noncommittal, regarding his status against the Bengals.

    “Man, every time there’s a game, I definitely want to play,” Lemon said. “So I’m just taking it day by day out here just putting the work in, and then we’ll see how I feel Friday.”

    Regardless, Monday was a step in the right direction for Lemon. He is eager to build on that progress.

    “The team brought me here for a reason, so I’m just making sure I’m available,” Lemon said. “So it felt great to get out here with the guys, to run around. I just never take it for granted every time I step on the field.”

  • Eagles rookie wide receiver, first-round pick Makai Lemon returns to practice

    Eagles rookie wide receiver, first-round pick Makai Lemon returns to practice

    FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Makai Lemon is officially back.

    On Thursday, the Eagles wide receiver — who had been nursing a hamstring injury for over two weeks — returned to practice for the first time since Day 4 of Eagles training camp on Aug. 3.

    It was an eventful week for the rookie to return as the Eagles took on the Patriots in the second of two joint practices at the New Balance Athletics Center adjacent to Gillette Stadium.

    The 22-year-old Lemon was still limited on Thursday and he did not participate in team drills, but his return to full-pad action is encouraging.

    Saquon Barkley and Jordan Mailata want more rushing, less fighting. Both think the Eagles run game can be great.

    This comes one day after the Eagles listed Lemon as limited on a day when Lemon was not in full uniform and was mostly held out. Last week, Lemon was on the field prior to practices at Jefferson Health Training Complex, catching passes from the JUGS machine and partaking in light warmups.

    DeVonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown, Elijah Moore and Darius Cooper have topped the wide receiver depth chart with Lemon sidelined.

    Lemon’s return is crucial for an Eagles passing offense that struggled against New England on Wednesday and was held to seven points in their preseason loss to the Ravens last Saturday. The Eagles selected Lemon with the No. 20 overall pick in April’s draft with the expectation that he would bolster the offense. Quarterback Jalen Hurts praised the former USC star last week.

    “I think he’s been very intentional with [learning]. I think he’s all ears,” Hurts said. “I think he’s a very intentional, quiet, mild-mannered hard worker. He’s hungry.

    “[USC] Coach [Lincoln] Riley has always said a great number of things about Makai and how he prepares and how intense he is in the walkthroughs. I’ve seen the same thing here.”