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Tag: Vic Fangio

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

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

    Less than 24 hours after the Eagles announced their 2026 roster, The Inquirer’s Jeff Neiburg conducted an AMA (ask me anything) session with Eagles Reddit users, discussing topics including the quarterback plan, the possibility of general manager Howie Roseman making a deal or two, and what’s going on at tight end (including the possible return of fan favorite Zach Ertz).

    The following has been edited for length and clarity.

    What do you think of the roster? Any mistakes? Many concerns? How much are we winning the Super Bowl by?

    Neiburg: Well, I’m both surprised and not surprised. In my final 53-man roster prediction that I submitted Friday night when the game went final, I had the Eagles keeping four quarterbacks. Just didn’t see a trade materializing over the weekend.

    Mistakes? Howie Roseman has won two Super Bowls and I’m, well, me. So I can’t say there are any mistakes.

    That being said, I did find a few things surprising. I didn’t expect both IPP players to get waived. I had both on my final 53, and I thought Joshua Weru was basically a lock. I don’t expect either to be claimed when waivers process today (Monday), but I thought the Eagles would avoid the risk, especially with Weru. (Editor’s note: Neither player was claimed and have been listed on the practice squad.)

    Joshua Weru (46) being exposed to waivers was a mild surprise. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    I know EJ Jenkins is a great blocker, and Eli Stowers is a bit behind, but I didn’t expect Jenkins to be on the roster.

    I will say I’m pleasantly surprised Elijah Moore made the team. I had them cutting him simply because he’s a vested veteran that wouldn’t have needed to clear waivers, and they could have brought him on the practice squad and promised him a gameday elevation. But Moore outperformed Hollywood Brown during camp and good camps deserve to be rewarded. Plus, he could’ve signed anywhere else if the Eagles released him, too, and given their question marks in a world without A.J. Brown, keeping six makes some sense.

    Re: the last question … I wouldn’t be shocked if the Eagles won the Super Bowl. The defense is that good. But — spoiler alert — I’ll have them losing in the NFC title game to the Los Angeles Rams when our season preview comes out.

    Which cut surprised you the most based on what you saw day to day throughout training camp?

    Neiburg: I was a little bit surprised by the IPP guys just based on the risk and whatnot. But that’s not really the spirit of your question. Besides them, I’m not really sure. I did nail 50 of the 53 in my final projection. I guess I’ll say Cameron Latu being cut in favor of EJ Jenkins was a bit surprising, but Jenkins is a really good blocker.

    Any positions you see the team adding someone at before opening day or do you think the roster is set?

    Neiburg: I do not think the roster is set. And I wouldn’t be surprised if they brought in players at two or more positions between now and opening day.

    Let’s list some spots.

    Tight end: Eli Stowers doesn’t look ready to play NFL football right now. That’s not to say the pick is a bust. It’s way too early to say that, and anyone who believes he is a bust right now is being hyperbolic. But besides Dallas Goedert, there’s not another reliable weapon in the passing game in the room right now. Johnny Mundt and EJ Jenkins are block-first tight ends. Those are important in this new offense, but what good is 12 or 13 personnel if the defense knows one or two of the tight ends isn’t a real threat in the passing game?

    Could Andy Dalton (14) still prove expendable?Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Quarterback: Is it possible the QB2 isn’t on the roster right now? I think so. Not saying it’s likely the Eagles trot out on opening day with a quarterback not named [Andy] Dalton or [Tanner] McKee backing up Hurts, but there’s definitely a chance. It’s easy to overreact to preseason games. But they are relatively meaningless and only one small part of the evaluation process. Fans don’t get to watch practice. I can tell you, though, that everything you’ve read about practice is true. Neither player was that good. If I’m the Eagles, I’m not sure I want to enter a season with Super Bowl aspirations and have either one of those dudes as my primary backup.

    Safety: It’s still the thinnest position on the roster. They kept only three guys on the initial 53. But because Cooper DeJean will be on the field there at base, the need for multiple reserves isn’t really there. Still, besides 30-year-old Marcus Epps, there’s a dearth of experience at that spot. Drew Mukuba played 11 games last year as a rookie and is coming off a season-ending injury. Michael Carter II has primarily been a slot corner. DeJean might be an all-world defensive back, but he hasn’t really played safety at the NFL level.

    Who was the ‘Camp MVP’ that stats or preseason games might not have fully captured, but who consistently stood out in practice drills and scrimmage situations?

    Neiburg: Jalyx Hunt probably was the most consistent performer in camp (and you definitely didn’t see him play in a preseason game). Moro Ojomo was also a wrecker, and Jalen Carter, too. Based on what else was going on around him, Elijah Moore had a really good camp, too. Darius Cooper gets a lot of love, but Moore was super consistent throughout camp I thought, and he was deserving of a roster spot.

    Is a Nick Sirianni and Zach Ertz reunion in the offing?David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
    Is there a world where Zach Ertz ends up on this roster, maybe after Week 1? What are the implications for the other tight ends if it happens?

    Neiburg: There is definitely a world. My former Inquirer colleague EJ Smith, who now works at PHLY, reported that a return to the Eagles is possible.

    If it happens, my guess is it happens after Week 1. Why? The Eagles wouldn’t need to guarantee his salary if he’s not on the roster for Week 1. If Ertz doesn’t work out, it’s not a waste of resources. Plus, this scenario allows them to play a game and see where they’re at, too.

    I do think there’s a need for a second reliable pass catcher at the position given that Eli Stowers needs some more seasoning. The implications of signing Ertz or trading for a tight end for the others would be one of them gets cut (looking at you, EJ Jenkins).

    Which wide receivers will be on the field most frequently for Jalen Hurts?Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer
    What is the expected WR depth chart? We know Devonta [Smith] is locked at WR1, [Dontayvion] Wicks seems to be 2. Has [Makai] Lemon done enough yet to get WR3?

    Neiburg: Good question. I’m not sure there’s a firm answer yet, but I’d guess the depth chart looks like: Smith, Wicks, Lemon, Brown, Cooper, Moore. Not sure there’s a need to distinguish between WR2 and WR3 for Lemon, who will mostly line up in the slot. I don’t see him being on the field often in two-receiver sets.

    Do you think Uar Bernard or Joshua Weru will provide any long term value to the team? What’s your record prediction? I say 12-5

    Neiburg: The odds say no. But they both have athletic profiles worth trying to develop, and I think the Eagles would be thrilled if both cleared waivers and they had a chance to keep working with them. That’s the most likely outcome. It’s hard to imagine another team bringing either into their building on signing them to their 53, knowing they aren’t ready to play and won’t be for a while.

    But the Eagles will only be able to designate one of them as their IPP player and theoretically will only be able to control one of them that way.

    If I had to guess, I’d say Weru has the better chance at playing NFL snaps than Bernard.

    I’m with you at 12-5, and I think the season ends in a conference title game loss to the Rams.

    Will Jonathan Greenard be ready to make his Eagles debut in Week 1?David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
    Any concern at linebacker with the final number that made the roster?

    Neiburg: If we’re talking off-ball linebacker? Absolutely not. Arguably the best position group on the team. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. would start on some teams, and Smael Mondon is progressing nicely and is a reliable special teamer (like Trotter). I didn’t see a reason for the Eagles to keep five off-ball linebackers, no matter how much Vic Fangio professed his love of Chance Campbell. Plus, UDFA Deontae Lawson might’ve been the one pushing for that fifth spot anyway.

    If we’re talking outside linebacker/edge rusher, I do think there’s some concern entering the season. Jonathan Greenard may not be ready for Week 1, but since the Eagles didn’t put him on PUP/IR, they do expect him back within the first four games. Good sign. And Jalyx Hunt had an excellent camp and may reach double-digit sacks this year.

    But beyond the top two, I think there’s some question marks. Nolan Smith Jr. is coming off another injury and has been passed on the depth chart by Hunt. Arnold Ebiketie is on a sort of prove-it one-year deal. A.J. Epenesa was signed off the street in June after things didn’t work out when he tried to sign with Cleveland. There’s some upside overall in the room, but there’s a low floor, too.

    Saquon Barkley’s evolution in the Sean Mannion offense is worth watching. Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer
    Do you think the run game will improve this year? If so why?

    Neiburg: Yes. If only because it can only go up?

    Joking aside, the offensive line seems to be healthier right now. Cam Jurgens is moving around great and says he feels much better after getting his stem cell treatment in the offseason. Lane Johnson looks good, too. I still would be concerned about Landon Dickerson getting through the season if I were the Eagles, and they’re probably thrilled Drew Kendall is progressing well.

    Besides the health of Saquon Barkley’s blockers, the wide zone blocking scheme should favor him and most of the linemen. The Eagles have an athletic bunch up front. They have some capable blockers at tight end in Johnny Mundt and EJ Jenkins and even Dallas Goedert.

    It’s hard to imagine Barkley not having more holes to run through this year, and given the wider nature of some of these running plays, he should find himself in more advantageous situations with the ball in his hands.

    Read Jeff Neiburg’s complete AMA here.

  • Vic Fangio talks safety, cornerback battles as Eagles near decisions on 53-man roster

    Vic Fangio talks safety, cornerback battles as Eagles near decisions on 53-man roster

    Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio effectively offered an update when asked for the latest on the safety battle between Marcus Epps and Michael Carter II — the Eagles’ most contentious position battle in training camp.

    “It is close,” Fangio said. “Michael has been doing a good job back there. It’s just all new to him and we need to get him more exposure, which is hard to do, but I do think Michael eventually can do it.”

    Translation: Epps has won the job.

    It’s been a long time coming for the 30-year-old safety, who worked his way back from ACL surgery last year before getting cut by the Patriots at the end of training camp.

    Fangio’s rationale makes sense, too. Epps, who was a key starter during the Eagles’ 2022 Super Bowl run, has a much lengthier resumé than Carter’s. The former has 49 starts in 94 career games with three interceptions and 315 career tackles, while Carter has 26 starts in 73 games with two interceptions and 233 tackles.

    Barring an outside acquisition, it appears that Marcus Epps has wrapped up a starting safety job. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Time will tell if general manager Howie Roseman makes an additional move at safety, which is widely considered the thinnest position on the Eagles roster. But for now, the job is Epps’ — which “means everything” to him.

    “I worked real hard to get back to where I’m at, man, and there were a lot of dark days,” Epps said Tuesday. “But I still got work to do. I haven’t arrived by any means. It’s a long season, and we’re still here just in camp. That’s where my focus is, on camp, finishing out camp the right way and just continuing to get better.”

    Revealing the starting safety wasn’t the only tidbit Fangio dropped before Wednesday’s practice, which was the team’s final session of their 2026 training camp. The veteran defensive coordinator also gave a glimpse into where the cornerback room currently stands. When asked a question about the depth at the position, Fangio tipped his hand on five of the six most likely corners to make the final 53-man roster — Quinyon Mitchell, Riq Woolen, Jonathan Jones, Mac McWilliams and Kelee Ringo.

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

    “I feel good about Q [Mitchell] and Riq,” Fangio said. “Jonathan Jones has missed a lot of time here, so hopefully we can get him back at some point. I think Mac has made a lot of strides. He’s dinged right now a little bit, [and] wasn’t able to finish the other night. Kelee, I think, is making strides.

    “Those are the five main ones, plus the guys that are competing for the sixth spot.”

    The “guys competing for the sixth spot” are Jakorian Bennett, Ambry Thomas, Shaun Wade, Tariq Castro-Fields, and Isaiah Bolden, with Friday’s game against the Bengals possibly offering another chance for players to set themselves apart.

    What Fangio’s complete group looks like will become more clear when the final roster is due Sunday at 6 p.m. ET.

  • 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.

    Gov. Josh Shapiro reiterates that the Eagles’ home of the future will ‘be in the city of Philadelphia’

    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.

    What changed for Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion after an ugly preseason debut? ‘Execution’

    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.

    Tanner McKee outperforms Andy Dalton in the Eagles’ confounding backup QB competition. Will it matter?

    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.

  • Vic Fangio’s wish for variety was granted at Eagles-Patriots joint practice. What he watched wasn’t always pretty.

    Vic Fangio’s wish for variety was granted at Eagles-Patriots joint practice. What he watched wasn’t always pretty.

    FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — If it were up to Vic Fangio, the Eagles would have a lot more than two joint practices on their summer calendar. Though if Fangio were made king, two-a-days would come back, players would dress for preseason games, and there’d certainly be a lot more contact in practice.

    The NFL is a different game from when Fangio first started coaching it 40 years ago, but count this week in New England as the defensive coordinator’s favorite of the preseason. The Eagles and Patriots met for the first of two joint practices Wednesday. They’ll have another Thursday, before meeting for a preseason contest Saturday night.

    “It’s great to go against a new team, new schemes, new players,” Fangio said before practice. “You learn things. You’re going to get unscouted looks and plays and you see how people react.”

    Fangio wasn’t available for questions after the first practice session, but he surely learned a lot about the things his defense needs to work on, and the things he might worry about before the real games begin next month.

    Against a team that went to the Super Bowl last season and added A.J. Brown, Fangio’s defense had some ups and downs on Wednesday. The run defense was solid, but the secondary struggled. Brown, Romeo Doubs, Kayshon Boutte, and DeMario Douglas found the ball in their hands often. Eagles corner Riq Woolen struggled, and while his M.O. has been a cover corner who is inconsistent in zone coverage, he was a step behind multiple times when the Eagles were in man.

    Quinyon Mitchell might have gotten the best of Brown on the first rep of one-on-one work prior to team drills, but Mitchell didn’t have his best day of camp, and Brown later beat him on a quick slant on a third-and-4 play during a competitive period.

    The Eagles defense has immense upside, though questions about Jonathan Greenard and Riq Woolen linger

    There were some bright spots. Zack Baun and Jalyx Hunt had sacks on consecutive plays, and Jihaad Campbell later got to Drake Maye on a blitz for a “sack” that negated a long completion to Brown over Woolen on the sideline (quotation marks on “sack” because there is no live tackling during practices, especially not on the quarterback).

    Fangio was looking forward to Wednesday and Thursday because the first-team defense has only gone up against Eagles teammates so far in camp. The Eagles’ new offense under Sean Mannion is more condensed, while the Patriots under Josh McDaniels spread the formation. The Patriots also deploy a fullback, which Baun appreciated.

    “I liked today’s practice, in the run game in particular, because they have a fullback,” Baun said. “We haven’t seen a fullback all camp. If we see a fullback-like body in the backfield, it’s a tight end and it’s not often. It’s cool to go against a fullback. It’s something you always see a couple times a year and you have to be prepared for it.”

    They’ll see it again Thursday.

    Jonathan Greenard warmed up before the Ravens preseason game but his return to contact is uncertain. David Maialetti / Staff Photographer

    Will Jonathan Greenard be ready for Week 1?

    Perhaps Maye would have had a harder time finding open receivers if the Eagles’ pass rush got home more frequently. They’re still missing the player at the top of the edge rusher depth chart, and Jonathan Greenard’s return date from a pectoral injury remains unclear.

    “I don’t know when Greenard will be back,” Fangio said. “It’s going to take some time to heal.”

    Asked later if there was some concern Greenard, the major offseason acquisition, would not be ready to go when the Eagles open the season on Sept. 13, Fangio said, “Yeah.”

    Fangio said he’s “very happy” with Hunt and Nolan Smith Jr., and said Arnold Ebiketie is “coming along,” but he’s still looking for the back end of the rotation to solidify itself. A.J. Epenesa seems to be on track to win a roster spot, but without Greenard at the top, the quality of the position group as a whole suffers.

    The Eagles offset that some with one of the best interior defensive line units in the league, but they’ll need to win on the edges, too, and Greenard being healthy will be a big part of that.

    Vic Fangio does not shy away from offering a revealing quote or wry observation. Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    Vic-isms

    Fangio is typically strong when it comes to one-liners and funny sayings, and he didn’t disappoint Wednesday morning.

    On defensive tackle Ty Robinson, last year’s fourth-round pick who had a slow start to camp, Fangio offered up this one: “He came to life. He’s been on life support since he’s been here, but he came to life, and hopefully that will continue.”

    On Kelee Ringo, who had a nice interception Saturday but also gave up a touchdown, Fangio said: “He’s been everybody’s piñata doll for a while. I kind of sense he could be coming. I think these two days for him are big.”

    As usual with Ringo, Wednesday’s practice offered a mixed bag.

    And on the subject of Joshua Weru and Uar Bernard, the two International Pathway players playing football for the first time, Fangio said: “Those are our two exchange students. They’re doing fine, but they’ve got a long way to go.”

    Jihaad Campbell was the only Eagles starter who played on Saturday against the Ravens. Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    Playing time explanations

    Why did Jihaad Campbell dress and play in Saturday’s preseason opener in Baltimore while most of the starters rested?

    Fangio said Campbell, whose playing time decreased last season when Nakobe Dean returned, still needs more reps in the defense.

    Then why did Andrew Mukuba get the night off? Fangio said Mukuba’s lack of reps last season were injury-related and not the same as Campbell’s, and also said “every case is different.”

    There’s a starting battle going on at safety, but one of the participants, Marcus Epps, didn’t play Saturday.

    Fangio explained that he wanted Michael Carter II, a converted nickel, to get more reps playing a new position, one that Epps has been playing for his whole NFL career.

    “This is new territory for Mike, and we need to get him a bunch of reps there to really get him prepared and totally evaluated,” Fangio said.

  • Vic Fangio reveals that Jalen Hurts lost a step in 2025, but he’s back, which is huge for the Eagles

    Vic Fangio reveals that Jalen Hurts lost a step in 2025, but he’s back, which is huge for the Eagles

    Despite his implication that American hero Dr. Anthony Fauci somehow acted improperly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and despite his denials that he was considering retiring over the winter (he was), Vic Fangio is a compulsive truth-teller — at least, in his own mind. He dogged the Dolphins when he was there, he’s told us that Jalen Carter has been out of shape, and he said last year that Adoree’ Jackson was playing so badly he might not start.

    On Tuesday, Veritas Vic revealed a truth about 2025 that had been self-evident:

    Jalen Hurts lost a step.

    From 2021-24, Hurts was the second-most dynamic running quarterback in the NFL, a sabertooth tiger on the hunt. But in 2025 he looked like a woolly mammoth trying to escape the La Brea Tar Pits.

    Teams no longer feared his ability to convert first downs and his ability to turn broken plays in the red zone into rushing touchdowns or scramble TD throws.

    Expect that fear to return.

    In public last year, Hurts, his coaches, and the front office swore that there was no real difference in Hurts’ speed. In Fangio parlance, they pled the Fifth (Fangio last week ripped Fauci’s performance at a Senate hearing: “I’m gonna be like Fauci and just take the Fifth Amendment on all questions.”).

    In private, NFL sources swore that Hurts was not the same player in 2025 that he had been in previous seasons.

    Just two weeks into 2026 training camp, for Fangio, the difference is palpable.

    Fangio was asked his perspective as a defensive coordinator regarding how Hurts was acclimating to the new offense being installed by first-year offensive coordinator Sean Mannion. Fangio did not hesitate:

    “He looks faster,” Fangio said.

    There you have it.

    In training camp practices, Hurts is eluding would-be tacklers the way he used to do. He’s breaking into the clear. He’s turning the corners. He’s finding gears he didn’t have in 2025, and, you can assume, he’ll locate the overdrive level that once struck fear into the hearts of defenders league-wide.

    Vic Fangio’s comments on Jalen Hurts’ increased speed were telling. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    True, it’s just practice, but Fangio made it clear that Hurts didn’t perform this way this time last year. And no, it’s not as if Hurts’ defensive teammates can snag an arm or foot as he blasts past them, but Fangio’s been coaching pro football for more than 40 years, so you can trust him to gauge a quarterback’s potency.

    “Obviously, we can’t touch him during practice,” Fangio said. “There’s been a few times where our guys think they had him and they really didn’t. He’s moving good.”

    Murphy: Two (deep and arguably arcane) underrated numbers that matter for the Eagles in 2026

    Last year, offseason reports surfaced that said Hurts wanted game plans to include fewer designed runs. Hamstring, ankle, shoulder, and finger issues cost Hurts time from 2020-23. A concussion in Game 16 of 2024 cost him the final two games of the season, though he returned in fine fettle and led the Eagles to the Super Bowl LIX title.

    Things clearly changed for Hurts in the 2025 season. In his first four full seasons as a starter he’d averaged 9.9 rushing attempts and 44.8 yards per game. Last season he averaged 6.6 runs for 26.3 yards. He averaged 13 rushing touchdowns in his first four full seasons. He scored eight last year.

    There were other factors.

    Offensive linemen Lane Johnson, Landon Dickerson, and Cam Jurgens all missed time with chronic injury issues that also diminished their effectiveness when they did play.

    After a grueling, record-setting first season as an Eagle, featured back Saquon Barkley was far less explosive.

    First-time offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo was overmatched, and head coach Nick Sirianni was powerless to help him.

    Star receiver A.J. Brown so badly regressed physically, mentally, and psychologically that the Eagles traded him for pennies on the dollar at a massive salary-cap hit on June 1.

    And, finally, defenses realized that, all things being equal, they would rather force Hurts to beat them with his legs than Barkley, since Barkley was a home-run threat every time he was handled the ball. Then defenses realized that Hurts couldn’t beat them with his legs anymore.

    Eagles practice observations: Saquon Barkley ramps up, Elijah Moore scores and defense should play in Baltimore

    Between 2021-24, Hurts ran for 267 first downs, 31 more than 2024 MVP Josh Allen, who was second, and 67 more than 2023 MVP Lamar Jackson, who was third. Hurts averaged 66.8 first downs in those four years. He ran for 37 first downs last season.

    Hurts’ absence of speed answers questions independent of his abilities. It answers questions about his motivation.

    The insidious question that loomed last season:

    Was Hurts protecting himself because, with the Super Bowl title and a Super Bowl MVP in his back pocket, even a modestly productive season was likely to produce a massive contract extension?

    Eagles fans saw less running from Jalen Hurts in 2025. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Hurts is under contract through 2028, but 2026 is his last fully guaranteed season. Historically, the Eagles reward their best young players with early extensions that generally serve two purposes: Early extensions give the player cash in his pocket right away, and, if the player continues to play well, they give the Eagles a bargain — a player paid below comparable talents at comparable positions.

    But Hurts didn’t have a moderately productive season. He had a poor season. The passing game, ranked 23rd, was abysmal considering its weapons. Hurts’ passer rating dropped from 103.7 in 2024, which ranked fifth, to 98.5 in 2025, which ranked 12th. His quarterback rating, which attempts to include all aspects of the position, fell from 62.5 in 2024, which was 10th, to 55.2 in 2025, which was 20th.

    There was no extension in the offing. That might change during or after 2026, if, as Fangio says, he’s got his legs back.

    And if he’s willing to use them.

  • How a friendly offseason wager with Vic Fangio transformed Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter

    How a friendly offseason wager with Vic Fangio transformed Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter

    Believe it or not, Jalen Carter’s biggest offseason distraction was not his contract situation or rehabbing the injuries that plagued him in 2025.

    It was the friendly wager he had with Vic Fangio.

    “Me and Coach Vic had a little thing going where he wanted me to come in at a certain amount of weight, and I made that weight,” said Carter, who is listed at 6-foot-3, 314 pounds but noted that he’s down 10 pounds since last season. “That also shows that the contract extension wasn’t my biggest focus. My biggest focus was putting a smile on Coach Vic’s face. … And he was happy and we dapped up and we hugged it out.”

    Jalen Hurts’ wide receiver group looks different than what was expected in camp. His preparation keeps moving forward.

    Ten days into Eagles training camp, observers can see how this body transformation is helping the two-time Pro Bowler return to form. Carter, 25, looks as dominant as ever entering his fourth season. He consistently blasts through the Eagles’ interior offensive line to create pressure on quarterback Jalen Hurts and he even outraced all defensive linemen in sprints on Tuesday.

    This certainly wasn’t the case last season. In 2025, 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 a wildly successful 2024 season, during which he played 79.4% of the defensive snaps and was a key contributor in Super Bowl LIX.

    So, how did this change come to be? Carter attributes his weight-loss journey to fewer “big daddy meals” — which he said is when you “just fill the plate up” — and cutting out Minute Maid brand blue raspberry juice.

    How, exactly, has a slimmer frame helped Carter in the early days of camp?

    Eagles stock watch: Who ranks among the risers and fallers at 2026 training camp?

    “I just feel better out there,” he said. “Getting out of the stacks feels much better, especially with what I was going through last year with the shoulders and all that. Everything just feels good right now.”

    Getting Carter back to peak form is excellent news for an Eagles team that’s built around a tough defensive front. With Carter, Jordan Davis, and Moro Ojomo all looking sharp in camp, the Eagles should have one of the top defensive tackle rooms in the NFL in 2026.

    Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio challenged Jalen Carter to improve his body this offseason and has been pleased with his defensive tackle’s progress. Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    Carter’s transformation even drew public praise from Fangio, who rarely goes out of his way to dish out compliments.

    “[Carter has] had a good offseason of lifting,” Fangio said. “I think he started that earlier than normal for him and you can see the difference in that regard. I think he’s in a better spot now than he was.”

    The next challenge for Carter is making sure he can stay locked in mentally. The Patriots are hosting the Eagles in a joint practice ahead of their preseason game on Aug. 22, which could lead to tempers flaring between the two clubs. When asked how he can stay composed, Carter said he’ll try his best.

    “If I was to get into any altercations, I don’t try to start them, I just finish them,” he said with a wry smirk. “I think I pretty much know the lines. … There’s really ain’t too much I can do. You know, it’s football.

    “It’s definitely fighting, that’s the main thing: We don’t want to fight. We want to get contact, get aggressive and all this, but fighting is the last thing we want.”

  • Eagles practice observations: Dontayvion Wicks likely WR2; Truth-telling Vic Fangio; Eli Stowers’ education

    Eagles practice observations: Dontayvion Wicks likely WR2; Truth-telling Vic Fangio; Eli Stowers’ education

    The Eagles held the sixth practice of their 2026 training camp on Wednesday at the Jefferson Health Training Complex. Here were my observations from Day 6 (and links to Days 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5):

    Roll call

    Tackle Lane Johnson missed a fourth straight practice for an excused noninjury related reason. He’s expected to return soon, from what I understand. Landon Dickerson took a non-injury-related rest day. The Eagles will be careful with their oft-injured left guard. Dickerson was spotted jogging midway through practice with a sleeve on his left leg.

    Wide receiver Britain Covey was a new addition to the injury list. He left Tuesday’s practice with a hamstring injury. The following remained injured and out: receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring), receiver Makai Lemon (hamstring), edge Keyshawn James-Newby (ankle) and safety Cole Wisniewski (hamstring).

    Rookie guards Micah Morris (shoulder) and Jaeden Roberts (calf contusion) returned to practice, but were limited.

    Vic Fangio noted that defense has traditionally had the upper hand early in Eagles training camp. Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    Vic’s secret

    After two straight days in full pads, coach Nick Sirianni dialed the intensity back. Players wore only shells for a 75-minute session — the shortest of camp thus far. Sean Mannion’s offense, overall, executed better after a difficult Tuesday vs. Vic Fangio’s defense.

    “I told him, we obviously got the best of yesterday’s practice by a long shot,” Fangio said when asked about Mannion’s play-calling. “But that’s the way it’s been the last two years in training camp. The defense has gotten the best of the offense. So, not to be too concerned.”

    More than a week into Eagles training camp, Jalen Hurts and the new-look offense are ‘calibrating’

    I don’t think Fangio was puffing his chest out or anything. He was just being the truth teller that he can often be. He was also adding context. Defenses are traditionally ahead early in camp, especially when the offense is new. But I’m not so sure about his last comment. I’d be concerned if there were any similarities to last year’s offense.

    Michael Carter II got some run with the first unit on Wednesday. Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer

    Cast and crew

    Mannion’s first unit likely benefitted from four key defensive starters — linebacker Zack Baun, defensive back Cooper DeJean and cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Riq Woolen — being held out of team drills. Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Michael Carter II, Jonathan Jones and Kelee Ringo played in their spots.

    With the offense down three starters, it might have made sense to even the playing field. Rookie Markel Bell and second-year offensive lineman Drew Kendall filled in for Johnson and Dickerson at right tackle and left guard, respectively.

    Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee are in a competition for QB2 duties. And they’re trying to embrace it.

    Receiving race

    It’s been a by-committee approach at receiver, especially with the bona fide No. 1 sidelined. Dontayvion Wicks has thus far made the best case to be Smith’s No. 2. He may have a leg up on the others, having played in the Kyle Shanahan-style scheme Mannion brought with him from Green Bay. But there has also been obvious rapport between quarterback Jalen Hurts and the former Packers receiver. Hurts delivered a 20-yardish strike to Wicks just ahead of arriving safety Andre’ Sam in seven-on-sevens on Wednesday.

    Darius Cooper has looked good early in camp. Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    If the receiver competition was based on the first week alone, Darius Cooper would have the edge on the other combatants. I said this to someone the other day: “If Lemon was having the camp Cooper was having, every reporter would be hyping the first-round rookie.” The Eagles have to take everything into account, of course. Veterans Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore have been unspectacular in camp, but also have proven track records, even if both have seen their numbers decline in recent years.

    Cooper should be a lock for the roster, though. I know some have viewed the fifth receiver spot as a toss-up between him and Johnny Wilson. But Cooper has more upside, despite Wilson’s size and Sirianni’s appreciation for his blocking. Cooper didn’t make any splash catches on Wednesday. Hurts dropped a beauty to him in the back corner of the end zone, but the receiver couldn’t stick the landing after he dove for the ball.

    Dallas Goedert and the tight ends were heavily featured on Wednesday. Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    Tighter ends

    On cue, Dallas Goedert and the tight ends were featured in the passing game a day after I noted that they’ve been relatively quiet in that regard. Hurts went to tight ends on his first two dropbacks in seven-on-sevens. Goedert hauled in the first on a slant, while E.J. Jenkins couldn’t on a similar route from the other side of the formation.

    Goedert caught another pass during the period on a short buttonhook and he was again Hurts’ first target in team drills. The tight end hung on despite linebacker Jihaad Campbell being in close quarters. Campbell later reached out and broke up a pass to receiver Samori Toure.

    With Johnny Mundt often the second blocking tight end in under-center scenarios, Grant Calcaterra has gotten receiving opportunities on third downs. He appeared to short-arm a toss from Hurts with Ringo in the vicinity.

    Eli Stowers opens up about early camp struggles: ‘It’s a mental challenge’

    Stowers hour

    Even Cam Latu has seen more passes thrown his way than rookie tight end Eli Stowers. The Eagles are clearly not rushing their second-round draft pick. He’s low on the depth chart and has mostly run with the third offense. Stowers is a relative newcomer to the position. He switched from quarterback to tight end just three years ago and he wasn’t asked to block a ton at Vanderbilt.

    Eli Stowers’ (87) acclimation to NFL-style blocking technique has been slow. Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    So he has a lot to digest, beyond just the Xs and Os of a new scheme. Stowers is on the smaller side so learning the proper technique in blocking will be crucial. It could be some time before he’s placed in those circumstances. But he could get on the field on obvious passing downs. I found it interesting that he was split wide in the development period. The ball came his way, but cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields was on his hip and broke up a pass that was thrown slightly behind.

    Running on empty

    There was a fair amount of run game activity. Saquon Barkley didn’t have much room to operate on his carries. Defensive tackle Moro Ojomo knifed past Kendall on one Barkley carry. Outside linebacker Jalyx Hunt set the edge and helped contain the running back on an outside zone run. Nose tackle Jordan Davis easily defeated center Cam Jurgens one-on-one and picked up a tackle for loss.

    Linebacker Jalyx Hunt defended the run well on Wednesday. Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    I hesitate to mention Jurgens in the negative because he’s otherwise had a strong start to camp. He’s poised to bounce back from last season’s setback. Tank Bigsby had a few touches out of the backfield, as well, but he’s been featured more as a receiver than Barkley. He got Campbell to commit pass interference with a double move in the open field.

    Running back Will Shipley had a shaky start to camp, but I thought he showed up on Day 6, particularly in the run game. He had two strong rushes up the middle when he got skinny through his blocks. He also picked up Trotter’s blitz later on.

    On the bubble

    Michael Carter II got a strong endorsement from Fangio before practice. I’m not sure if he’ll beat out Marcus Epps for the nickel safety spot, but he could have the sixth defensive back role in dime personnel locked down. Speaking of locking down, he ran step for step with receiver Danny Gray on a corner route into the end zone. When he ball sailed out of reach, Carter popped up and gave Gray a double thumbs-down.

    Fangio said not to sleep on linebacker Chance Campbell’s chances of making the 53-man roster. Tackle Cam Williams took Campbell out at the second level on the run play and that was the last I saw the linebacker until he was walking with a trainer to the medical tent. He seemed fine later on, but didn’t return to play.

    Tanner McKee (16) has not looked sharp at times while working in the new offense. Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer

    Quarterbacking up

    Tanner McKee was first up with the second unit offense in seven-on-sevens, but Andy Dalton took more team repetitions. The quarterbacks continue to slug it out for the backup spot. Dalton found Wilson open on a crossing route. He hit Quez Watkins on a short pass and the receiver hit the afterburners when cornerback Ambry Thomas took a bad angle. Defensive tackle Ty Robinson pressured Dalton into a throwaway.

    McKee just hasn’t looked as sharp as he did last camp. He doesn’t have the luxury of working with the same unit as he did a year ago. That’s no excuse, but he has struggled to throw the ball downfield, especially with the third unit. He finally found an open man down the seam, but tight end Stone Smartt dropped the ball like he had hands of brick.

    Extra points

    Hurts had a couple dashes into space on the ground — once when he kept the ball on a run-pass option and another on a scramble when his receivers were tied up in man coverage. … Tempers flared for a second straight day. Linebacker Smael Mondon and tackle John Ojukwu got into a brief altercation, as did tackle Fred Johnson and edge A.J. Epenesa. … Gunslinger Cole Payton tossed another interception when he heaved a pass into a crowded area and the ball deflected to Castro-Fields. … Former Eagles receiver Jeremy Maclin attended camp. He said it was the first time he’s been back at the practice facility since he was a player. … The Eagles have a closed walkthrough on Thursday before returning to practice on Friday.

  • Eagles practice observations: Defense brings the camp fire; O-line woes; DeVonta Smith and who else?

    Eagles practice observations: Defense brings the camp fire; O-line woes; DeVonta Smith and who else?

    The Eagles held the fifth practice of their 2026 training camp on Tuesday at the Jefferson Health Training Complex. Here were my observations from Day 5 (and links to Days 1, 2, 3 and 4):

    Receiving line

    The Eagles were without wide receivers DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon due to hamstring injuries. Lemon left Monday’s practice early, while Smith appeared to finish the workout. The team doesn’t expect either player to be out for an extended period. Both receivers were present Tuesday, which was a positive sign.

    I wouldn’t be worried about Smith. He might have tweaked something, but the educated guess here is that the Eagles shut him down for the time being. They’ve been careful with him before, just as they were with A.J. Brown last year at camp. Smith is far and away the best receiver on the team and the Eagles can’t afford a needless injury with the drop-off relatively steep.

    Eagles’ 53-man roster projection: How the picture looks entering training camp Week 2

    Lemon is another story. The rookie needs the reps. It also doesn’t help that he suffered a hamstring strain in the spring. While it’s unclear if he hurt the same one, two soft tissue injuries in the span of six weeks isn’t likely how he wants to start his career. Lemon has been quiet in the early going. He’s yet to make a play that screams “first round draft pick,” but it’s also very early.

    Lane Johnson speaks with reporters during the first day of training camp on July 29. Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    Paving the Lane

    Lane Johnson missed a third straight practice for an excused non-injury-related reason. The Eagles have declined to offer more detail on their right tackle’s absence. Johnson’s only other extended absences that didn’t involve injury came in 2014 and 2016 when he was suspended for performance-enhancing drug use and in 2021 when the team granted him a leave to address his mental health.

    The following Eagles remained injured and out: outside linebacker Keyshawn James-Newby (ankle), guard Micah Morris (shoulder), guard Jaeden Roberts (calf contusion) and safety Cole Wisniewski (hamstring). Tackle Cameron Williams (knee contusion) was back to full participation. Receiver Britain Covey walked off the field with trainers late in the workout.

    Sean Mannion (center) did not oversee a sharp day from his offensive unit. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Offensive offense

    It was a tough day for Sean Mannion’s offense after it appeared to make strides in the bubble on a rainy Monday. The Eagles were in full pads for a second straight day and the outside environment and intensity seemed to benefit the defense. It’s long been understood that NFL defenses are typically ahead in the early portion of camp. Coordinator Vic Fangio’s seasoned unit is also facing an offense that is still learning a new system.

    As I’ve written here since the spring, there are going to be growing pains. It’s better to fail now rather than later. It also didn’t help that Smith was out. But I don’t think there was an offensive position group that could be happy about its performance on Tuesday, especially the O-line. Chris Kuper was without Johnson again, and the O-line coach juggled his units some, but there was too much sloppiness up front.

    We also had our first few skirmishes of camp. Guard Tyler Steen and defensive tackle Ty Robinson got into a brief skirmish after several plays of facing each other. Safety Andrew Mukuba and receiver Dontayvion Wicks mixed it up after the former didn’t appreciate the latter’s downfield run blocking. There’s nothing wrong with a little extra fire between teammates, as long as no one gets burnt.

    Landon Dickerson is among the offensive linemen trying to adjust to a new blocking scheme. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Blocking it out

    The new wide-zone run blocking scheme will require an adjustment period for a starting group that had done it a different way under former O-line coach Jeff Stoutland. Johnson and left tackle Jordan Mailata shouldn’t be that affected. They could thrive in any system. Center Cam Jurgens and Steen should, theoretically, benefit because of their athleticism.

    Left guard Landon Dickerson, though, could struggle the most. He’s not as nimble as the others and has had well-documented series of injuries that have put his future in question. Whenever he’s been asked to work to the perimeter on outside zone runs, it’s apparent he just doesn’t have the motor he once did.

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    That doesn’t mean he can’t get by or even flourish if healthy. But staying healthy has been an obvious issue, and he admitted earlier this week that he’s had to reconsider how he’s previously played through injury. That could place a greater emphasis on the backup guard spot. Drew Kendall appears to be the leading candidate right now. He took some first-team reps at left guard on Tuesday.

    The Eagles know Kendall can play center. He’s Jurgens’ likely backup. But can he hold up in the interior at 308 pounds? He seemed to hold his ground against defensive tackle Moro Ojomo when he was with the starters. And he did well to pick up a Jeremiah Trotter Jr. blitz later with the second unit. But the tests will keep coming.

    Jalen Hurts (1) did not have his best day of camp. Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer

    Hurting for certain

    Objectively, Jalen Hurts was sharp on Monday. The opposite could be written a day later. The O-line problems didn’t help, and neither did occasionally poor pass catching. I thought Hurts threw a catchable deep ball to Quez Watkins, but the route wasn’t crisp and the receiver’s dive came up short. Hurts then floated a dime to Will Shipley after he was schemed wide-open on a wheel route. But the running back stone-cold dropped a would-be explosive play.

    Hurts made some head-scratching decisions on throws downfield, though, some of them vs. the second defense. There was a heave to a double-covered Hollywood Brown that safety Michael Carter II intercepted after surviving a collision with the ground and a slight bobble. There was a tight-window toss to Wicks on the next play that cornerback Jakorian Bennett got his hands on.

    Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee are in a competition for QB2 duties. And they’re trying to embrace it.

    Hurts later chucked another one up for grabs to Wicks that was only slightly overthrown past a few pursuing defenders. In the red zone, he hitched off play-action and still threw to a covered Wicks. Mukuba was in Wicks’ pocket, but cornerback Quinyon Mitchell came over and got a hand on the ball.

    There were some good moments, too. Hurts had Brown alone in the end zone after a scissor route concept caught cornerback Jonathan Jones sleeping. Wicks shook cornerback Riq Woolen on an outside release and the ball arrived in time. Hurts had excellent ball placement on a pass to Wicks that required he throw it away from the lurking Mitchell.

    But there just wasn’t much rhythm to the passing offense — not to mention the run game. Hurts, on several occasions, had no one open and had to either eat the ball or throw it away. During one pass play, after he went through his reads and the pocket collapsed, he simply dropped the ball to the ground.

    Moro Ojomo (97) was among those who excelled on defense Tuesday. Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    D-light

    The good news is that the defense could be dominant this season, barring significant injuries. Cornerback Cooper DeJean briefly ran off the field after dinging his left hand — a reminder that the game can take anyone — but he appeared fine after getting checked out by trainers.

    Fangio has new faces on his side of the ball, but the biggest upgrade to last season’s very-good-but-not-great defense could be a 100% Jalen Carter. He seems to make a few eye-popping plays every practice. He bested Steen on back-to-back reps. Carter gave him the finger wag after stopping a Saquon Barkley run near the line, and then clubbed him to the helmet on the way to a would-be sack.

    Moro Ojomo watched fellow defensive tackles Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis get paid. He’s using it as motivation.

    Moro Ojomo was a menace at defensive tackle as well. He jetted past Dickerson and might have caused Barkley to bobble a pitch that resulted in little gain. The Eagles’ depth at D-tackle allows Ojomo to face the second unit at times, and it can be unfair. He made quick work of tackle John Ojukwu and notched a run stop near the line.

    And then there were missed blocks that gifted the front four. Carter was mind-bogglingly granted a free pass to Shipley on one rush. Defensive end Jalyx Hunt notched a unblocked sack when left tackle Fred Johnson appeared to have his eyes in the wrong spot.

    Jihaad Campbell is making his presence felt at linebacker. Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    Back off

    The off-ball linebacker group is pretty good, too. Jihaad Campbell still has lots to prove, but his talent is evident. He jacked running back Tank Bigsby onto his back and blew up a Barkley inside zone run near the goal line. Zack Baun lined up on the edge at one point and beat Ojukwu with an outside rush to record a sack. He also broke up a pass to tight end Dallas Goedert.

    Trotter blitzed once and steamrolled Shipley. Smael Mondon had maybe his best practice of camp and made multiple tackles, including a run stop after he shook the pulling to Williams.

    Dallas Goedert (88) and the tight ends have not been much of a factor in the passing game thus far in camp. Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    Tight lies

    I mentioned recently here that the tight ends haven’t been featured as much as the receivers and that trend continued. I recall past years when Goedert would be Hurts’ favorite target, but that has yet to happen. It could certainly change. But tight ends have more blocking responsibilities in the Kyle Shanahan/Sean McVay scheme.

    New guy Johnny Mundt will be key, with more need to block defensive ends at the point of attack. Goedert isn’t the blocker he once was, but he has the wherewithal, even as he enters his ninth season. Cameron Latu may have a roster spot based on his special teams capabilities. He trucked receiver Darius Cooper during kick return drills. But he’s a physical blocker and displayed as much when he wham blocked Hunt out of a run play.

    Neither Tanner McKee (16) nor Andy Dalton (14) got much of a leg up on Tuesday. Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer

    Under center

    In the backup quarterback competition, it was a relative draw in which neither Andy Dalton nor Tanner McKee was very consistent. As with Hurts, they were hardly all to blame for the offensive inefficiency.

    Dalton did find tight end Grant Calcaterra for a nice pickup after a naked bootleg fooled the first unit defense. And Cooper made a splendid one-handed grab on one of Dalton’s red zone throws. But the receiver was unable to get both feet in the back of the end zone. Later on, Cooper ran an in-breaking route when Dalton’s ball went outside to an empty space.

    McKee had a couple hookups with receiver Samori Toure. But like Hurts, he took sacks or simply ate the ball when the clock ran out on a fruitless play.

    Jake Elliott (4) was perfect on Tuesday. Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    Extra points

    I’ve written a fair amount about rookie defensive tackle Uar Bernard’s trials and tribulations as he tries to make it in the NFL. But there’s another neophyte from Africa in camp: undrafted edge Joshua Weru. He plays a different position than Bernard, but he’s looked more fluid. He still has a ways to go, but there’s some potential there. He had a pressure during the developmental period. … Jake Elliott was a perfect 6-for-6 during the kicking period. He was good from 33, 38, 42, 44, 50 and 52 yards. He also split the uprights from 44 yards out later during team drills. … The Eagles practice again on Wednesday and have a closed walkthrough on Thursday.

  • Eagles practice observations: Makai Lemon feels it; Jalen Carter dominates; how much will Jalen Hurts run?

    Eagles practice observations: Makai Lemon feels it; Jalen Carter dominates; how much will Jalen Hurts run?

    The Eagles held their third practice of their 2026 training camp on Saturday at the Jefferson Health Training Complex. Here were my observations from Day 3 (and links to Day 1 and 2):

    Taking attendance

    The Eagles had four excused absences for noninjury related reasons: tackle Lane Johnson, linebacker Jihaad Campbell, wide receiver Elijah Moore, and defensive tackle Ta’Quon Graham. Campbell, it appeared, missed practice to return to Alabama for graduation after completing his degree.

    Tackle Cameron Williams (knee contusion) and rookie safety Cole Wisniewski (hamstring) were the first entries on the Eagles’ injury list. Williams left Thursday’s practice early. They’ll likely be joined on the sideline by guard Micah Morris, who walked off the field on Saturday and didn’t return. Fellow rookie guard Jaeden Roberts suffered a more significant injury and could be out for an extended period. His left leg bent back awkwardly when he got pushed back into another lineman during the last play of the development period. He was carted inside after trainers stabilized his leg.

    Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. took Jihaad Campbell’s first-team reps Saturday.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Flip-flopping

    Jeremiah Trotter Jr. took Campbell’s spot at inside linebacker alongside Zack Baun. Nakobe Dean’s offseason exit in free agency was predictable, once the Eagles selected Campbell in the first round of the 2025 draft. But Trotter was another luxury that made it easier to part ways with Dean. He has starter capabilities and flashed again on Saturday (see below).

    Fred Johnson filled in for Lane Johnson at right tackle, which allowed rookie Markel Bell to switch from right to left tackle with the second-unit offense. Also notable: outside linebackers Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt swapped sides for the first time this camp, with the former on the right and the latter on the left. Left tackle Jordan Mailata had more success vs. Smith than he did vs. Hunt in the first two days of camp.

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    Lemon take

    Makai Lemon was targeted more than he was in the first two days, but that didn’t mean the receiver had more receptions. During seven-on-sevens, safety Andrew Mukuba was quick to Lemon on a stick route and nearly had an interception after running through the rookie. Later in team drills inside the red zone, a good play call got Lemon matched up against a linebacker on a short crosser in the end zone. Trotter hooked Lemon to the ground and was flagged for pass interference.

    Later, Jalen Hurts went to the receiver on a deep route out of the slot. Nickel cornerback Cooper DeJean initially was a half-step behind, but he closed on Lemon as the pass sailed out of reach. Lemon faced predraft concerns about his ability to get separation downfield. I don’t think those questions have been close to answered either way. But he clearly knows what he’s doing on underneath routes and carries himself with confidence, even if he got knocked around some on Saturday.

    Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts targeted rookie receiver Makai Lemon frequently on Saturday.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Welcome back, Carter

    Vic Fangio’s defense had another solid performance, which is to be expected as offensive coordinator Sean Mannion installs his new offense. Jalen Carter stood out again. The defensive tackle batted an early Hurts pass incomplete and got to the quarterback after bouncing off guard Tyler Steen on an inside rush.

    Hunt beat Fred Johnson for another likely sack during red-zone drills. Safety Marcus Epps had tight end Dallas Goedert in his pocket when Hurts was forced to float a deep ball out of harm’s way. Baun knocked a pass to the ground a play before Carter got his mitt on one of Hurt’s throws.

    Trotter had impressive moments in the red-zone period. He beat Steen to running back Saquon Barkley on an off-tackle run. And he got a hand on a checkdown to Barkley two plays later. Hurts was forced to scramble several times in the early portion of practice. That wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially when he motored into the secondary on one play. But the offense functions better when Hurts is hitting his first reads.

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    Running on empty

    We hadn’t seen much of Hurts and the zone-read game, which partly compelled me to ask Mannion his thoughts on the quarterback as a runner before practice. He said there’s room in the offense for that element, although more of Hurts under center naturally will make him less of a plus-one factor.

    Hurts didn’t run as much last season, nor was he as effective when he kept the ball on the ground. The Shanahan-McVay offense is designed to be run-based, so ideally the Eagles won’t need their quarterback to run as much. Protecting Hurts is of the utmost important, but his mobility is often what made him dynamic in his first six seasons.

    Right on cue, Hurts kept on a run-pass-run option in the red zone and waltzed into the end zone ahead of a half-hearted Smith on Saturday. The plays are scripted before practice, but I’ve convinced myself Mannion called that play to appease me.

    Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion addresses questions before practice on Saturday at the Jefferson Health Training Complex.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Screen chores

    We also saw our first glimpse of the screen game. Barkley didn’t have much room after Carter beat Steen to his spot. But Goedert had space and lead blockers later in the red zone. It’s still to be determined how much Barkley and the running backs will be featured in the passing game. Barkley said he thinks there are opportunities for him to be more prominent as a receiver in this system.

    He was asked to stay in and help with protection more last season. A lot of that had to do with injuries on the offensive line. But blocking has never been a forte. Mannion didn’t reveal much when asked about running backs in the pass game, but he clearly would rather have Barkley run routes than block. Defenses are going to send extra rushers at Hurts, so the running backs will need to help. Tank Bigsby did well to pick up a DeJean blitz off the edge during the third-down period.

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    Hello to Hollywood

    Mannion’s offense did have its moments. Hurts hit receiver Hollywood Brown on a deep cross in team drills. DeJean was the trailing defender, but he had no inside assistance when Mukuba dropped deep. Brown ran a nifty route that turned corner Ambry Thomas around when the second units met.

    DeVonta Smith had a relatively quiet day, although he hauled in a floater ahead of corner Mac McWilliams at one point. Hurts had solid pass protection and maybe an unrealistic amount of time, but he hung in the pocket and delivered a strike. The quarterback later ripped one to Britain Covey on a deep cross, but the receiver couldn’t hang on. Covey otherwise was reliable when targeted.

    Receiver Dontayvion Wicks gave slot corner Michael Carter II a little hesitation shake on a slant route and picked up a first down during third down.

    Eagles cornerbacks Riq Woolen (right) and Mac McWilliams work out at practice. McWilliams’ role with the Eagles is unclear so far as he enters his second season.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Mac Man

    McWilliams remains a bit an unknown. He didn’t play much last season as a rookie. It’s unclear if the Eagles see him more as a slot or boundary corner. He’s been at the former for most of camp so far. He had a couple of pass breakups while covering rookie tight end Eli Stowers during third down. Quarterback Tanner McKee appeared to be a touch off on the first throw, but McWilliams made sure Stowers couldn‘t secure the second.

    Cornerback Jakorian Bennett dragged down receiver Quez Watkins for pass interference after getting beat on a deep release. He rebounded later when he ripped the ball from receiver Johnny Wilson on an Andy Dalton dart over the middle. McKee and Dalton continued to split snaps with the second unit.

    Cole quarter

    Cole Payton bounced back from an unfortunate second day in which he tossed three picks. The rookie quarterback is no Checkdown Charlie. On his first drop, he uncorked a seed to receiver Danny Gray. He later called his own number twice on plays with an option draw.

    One quick aside: We haven’t seen tight ends featured as receivers much in the offense so far. It could be just the plays Mannion currently is installing or how the cookie crumbled in terms of pass distribution. But it’s no secret that the Shanahan-McVay offense often deploys a blocking tight end. Johnny Mundt has a clear edge in that role.

    Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell greets military members before practice on Saturday at the Jefferson Health Training Complex.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Extra points

    Covey was first up in fielding punts, but DeJean, Lemon, and Watkins also took turns. … The Eagles went with a rookie at long snapper this offseason, but Rocco Underwood isn’t guaranteed a roster spot. He’s looked fine so far, although he had a few high snaps in punting drills on Saturday. … The Eagles had many servicemen and women in attendance during Military Appreciation Day. … Sunday is an off day for players. The team returns for three straight practices starting Monday. Tuesday will be the first in full pads.

  • The six biggest roster battles as Eagles training camp gets underway

    The six biggest roster battles as Eagles training camp gets underway

    The Eagles reported to training camp Tuesday and hit the field Wednesday for their first official workout of the 2026 season.

    The Sean Mannion era is here, the A.J. Brown era is over, and Nick Sirianni’s sixth training camp is underway as the Eagles again have a roster capable of making a deep playoff run.

    Good teams like theirs mean fewer opportunities to get on the initial 53-man roster, which means there will be plenty of competition in camp. And while most of the starting jobs are spoken for, this Eagles training camp still has its share of intriguing position battles to pay attention to.

    Here’s a closer look at six of them:

    It’s Marcus Epps’ (right) job to lose at safety, but he’ll be pushed. Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    Safety: Will Marcus Epps hold off the field?

    It’s worth starting with safety because it’s one of the few spots on the field where a starter is written in pencil and not pen.

    If you’ve been paying any attention to the Eagles since the spring, you know that Cooper DeJean is slated to move from nickel to safety in base defense. But the Eagles, like most NFL defenses, use nickel and dime packages much more often than base. So the spot next to Andrew Mukuba mostly will be manned by someone not named DeJean.

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    Vic Fangio indicated that Marcus Epps is in the pole position for the job to replace Reed Blankenship, but the 30-year-old will have to earn it. There will be competition from converted nickel Michael Carter II, seventh-round pick Cole Wisniewski, veteran special teamer J.T. Gray, and long shots like Andre’ Sam, Kapena Gushiken, and Maximus Pulley.

    Don’t count out another roster addition, too, if Howie Roseman decides the Eagles need to upgrade the safety spot.

    The progress of Hollywood Brown (0) in training camp figures to have an impact on the wide receiver depth chart. Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    Wide receiver: Who gets the final spots?

    The top of the depth chart is basically set. Life after Brown means DeVonta Smith is WR1, but the order behind him needs some sorting out.

    The Eagles were in 11 personnel (one running back, one tight end, three wide receivers) nearly 60% of the time in 2025. There’s a new coordinator in town, and the Packers were slightly below the Eagles in that type of usage, but expect some of the same in 2026.

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    Who joins Smith on the field in three-receiver sets? In a perfect world, the Eagles would want Dontayvion Wicks and Makai Lemon to get the bulk of those reps, but Hollywood Brown was brought in to be a vertical threat and should force his way onto the field. Those personnel packages will work themselves out.

    Smith, Lemon, Wicks, and Brown are locks. It’s beyond them where the real training-camp battling begins.

    Will the Eagles keep five receivers or six? Sirianni loves the “dirty work” Darius Cooper and Johnny Wilson do, but is keeping them both redundant? Can Elijah Moore prove he’s worth keeping around? Britain Covey, meanwhile, still wants to show he’s the best kick-returning option in camp.

    What’s the vision for Andy Dalton (left) as the depth chart stacks up behind Jalen Hurts?Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    Quarterback: Will Andy Dalton or Tanner McKee back up Jalen Hurts?

    The Eagles have a quarterback controversy. Sort of.

    Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee alternated reps with the second-team offense during the offseason program, and it’s unclear which is the preferred backup to Jalen Hurts.

    The team also drafted Cole Payton in the fifth round, and it seems pretty unlikely they make room for four quarterbacks on the initial 53-man roster given the talent elsewhere.

    So, what gives?

    The Eagles would love to find a trade partner for McKee, who is entering the final year of his contract. But if they can’t, does that put Dalton in jeopardy of being cut (or traded)? Payton is a bit of an unknown, but he has an intriguing athletic profile, and while the Eagles cut a sixth-round draft pick last year (Kyle McCord), they probably would be hesitant to expose Payton to waivers given his traits. Otherwise, maybe he joins Clayton Thorson as a recent fifth-round pick who hits the chopping block.

    Third-round tackle Markel Bell has a chance to make an immediate impact. Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    Swing tackle: Can rookie Markel Bell supplant Fred Johnson?

    Considering how much time Lane Johnson missed last season, and Jordan Mailata’s stint on injured reserve in 2024, the swing tackle is a pretty important job.

    The Eagles brought back Fred Johnson in free agency because they know how important the backup tackle position is. They then used a third-round pick on Markel Bell, the 6-foot-9 tackle out of Miami. It was a bit surprising the Eagles waited until the 68th pick to select a tackle, but they like Bell a lot, and the big man has plenty of upside.

    Which tackle will be first up if Lane Johnson or Mailata misses time? It was Bell who got the first nod filling in for Lane Johnson during OTAs, but Bell missed the final minicamp workout of the spring due to an undisclosed injury.

    Who will emerge from camp as the preferred option?

    A.J. Epenesa was a solid edge contributor on a generally strong Bills defense in recent years. Gary McCullough

    Edge rusher: Will A.J. Epenesa show his worth?

    This group is pretty similar to wide receiver. The Eagles are set at the top. It’s Jonathan Greenard, Jalyx Hunt, and Nolan Smith Jr. Sure, there’s some interest in which of Hunt or Smith gets more snaps, but the top three edge rushers will see plenty of the field.

    Behind them is where it gets interesting. Arnold Ebiketie signed a deal that could be worth around $7 million and is the clear No. 4 as camp begins.

    Will the Eagles keep five or six here? They kept five last year and six the year prior in Fangio’s first season.

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    The Eagles made an interesting signing at the end of the offseason program in June, agreeing to a one-year deal with A.J. Epenesa.

    Epenesa’s sack total fell from six in 2024 to just 2½ last season, but he had a better pressure rate (10.6%) in a reduced role with the Bills. He is the biggest edge rusher in the building by 2 inches at 6-6, a size that could be useful in helping set the edge against the run.

    Epenesa will be in competition with seventh-round pick Keyshawn James-Newby, an undersized but speedy edge, as well as Jose Ramirez. The Eagles also have Joshua Weru, an International Pathway Player, in camp.

    Kelee Ringo (left) is among those seeking a corner job. Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    Cornerback: Can the Eagles find a trade partner for a bottom-of-the-depth-chart corner?

    The Eagles could have the best cornerback trio in the NFL this season in Quinyon Mitchell, DeJean (nickel), and Riq Woolen, but behind them at corner are jobs up for grabs.

    Veteran free-agent signing Jonathan Jones probably is a lock to take a roster spot given his 10 years of experience and inside-out versatility. Who claims the remaining spots will be determined in part by how many corners the Eagles decide to keep. They kept six last year, but could a player at a different position — like reserving a roster spot for defensive tackle Uar Bernard to not expose him to waivers — force them to go with five?

    That would leave one spot for Kelee Ringo, Jakorian Bennett, and Mac McWilliams.

    Ringo probably would be the preferred candidate there given his special-teams talent. The Eagles could also keep six and have spots for two of them.

    It’s also possible that Roseman finds himself looking to offload one of them via trade in August.

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    Honorable mention

    Fullback: Is it 1996? The Eagles may have a fullback competition in camp between Carson Steele and Cameron Latu. Latu is listed as a tight end, but he’s more of an H back who blocks well and plays special teams.

    Interior offensive line: Who would be first in line to back up Landon Dickerson or Tyler Steen? Right now, it’s probably Drew Kendall, who also is the backup center. After that, veteran guard Michael Jordan will try to edge out a group that includes sixth-round pick Micah Morris. Keep an eye on Myles Hinton, too. The second-year lineman took some reps at guard after entering the league as a tackle. The back end of the offensive-line group will be a fun battle to track.

    Tight end: Dallas Goedert and second-round pick Eli Stowers are locks. Johnny Mundt’s blocking skills should lock him up a spot, too. With that in mind, it’s hard to imagine Grant Calcaterra, intriguing UDFA Dae’Quan Wright, or Stone Smartt earning a job, especially given the aforementioned skills that Latu brings to the table.