A normal NFL halftime typically lasts between 12 and 14 minutes, give or take, from the final first-half whistle to third-quarter kick.
For Eagles coaches, it’s a pretty frenetic period. Offensive coordinator Sean Mannion takes an express ride on an elevator down from the coaches’ booth and gets together with his staff. They talk about the looks they’re seeing, the notes they’ve taken.
“We quickly put together and chart our course for the second half, communicate it with the players, and then we’re out,” Mannion said Thursday.
Nick Sirianni, who usually is pretty guarded, didn’t want to go into too much detail about the halftime routine when asked about it a day later. But he did mention that the idea is to be making adjustments on the fly between series as the game goes on.
“That’s so important that they’re going through that process at that time because halftime, there may be certain things that you say, ‘OK, we can’t get that drawn up right,’” he said. “‘Hey, we want to put this in here. Hey, we can’t get that drawn up. Draw it up for halftime. We’ll put it in there.’
“There are some things that are saved for halftime, but the majority of it is happening within the game.”
Nick Sirianni and the Eagles are looking to bounce back after their first loss of the season.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Regardless of when and how the Eagles are adjusting, whatever is happening at halftime might need a makeover. It’s only been three games, but no one is worse in the third quarter right now than the Eagles, who have eight three-and-outs on 11 third-quarter drives. That’s three more than anyone else in the NFL.
There have been various reasons for each punt. No series is identical. The Eagles have had negative runs, negative swing passes, penalties, and other detrimental plays. But the play sequencing and planning certainly has contributed. It’s something Mannion, a first-time play caller, said the staff is trying to correct.
“Certainly, as a staff and as a team, we’re working through getting better there,” Mannion said. “You hate to do a lot of nice things in the first half of some of these games and kind of fall into a rut in the second half.
“We’re working at that. We’re attacking it each day to be better there coming out of halftime.”
The Eagles and Rams kick off at 1 p.m. Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. The game will be aired on Fox29 and called by the network’s top duo of play-by-play man Kevin Burkhardt and analyst Tom Brady. Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi are the sideline reporters.
As usual, Merrill Reese and Mike Quick will have you covered for the local radio broadcast on 94 WIP.
DeVonta Smith scored a big fourth-quarter touchdown against the Rams last season, but he won’t be available for Sunday’s game — and likely longer.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer
Eagles
Fixing the ugly third-quarter trend won’t get any easier with DeVonta Smith slated to miss Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury. He may be out beyond this week, too.
The Eagles also will be without a key defensive starter in Zack Baun, who remains in the concussion protocol. Those absences mean Dontayvion Wicks is slated to be the No. 1 wide receiver on Sunday while Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is the next man up at linebacker.
Out
WR DeVonta Smith (hamstring)
LB Zack Baun (concussion)
TE Dallas Goedert (knee)
S Marcus Epps (groin)
WR Hollywood Brown (ankle)
T Fred Johnson (knee)
Rams
Puka Nacua is on track to the return for the Rams, who, entering Week 3 and dating back to when he was drafted in 2023, were averaging 6.1 yards per play with Nacua on the field, compared to 5.1 yards when he’s off the field. But the big news of the day Friday came when Sean McVay ruled Aaron Donald (back) out.
Donald came out of retirement and rejoined the team after training camp. His absence means Los Angeles is without two of the better defensive front-seven players in the NFL in Donald and Myles Garrett, who is on injured reserve with a knee injury.
Out
DT Aaron Donald (back)
TE Terrance Ferguson (ankle)
CB Jaylen Watson (shoulder)
Questionable
TE Colby Parkinson (shoulder)
OLB Josaiah Stewart (groin)
Storylines to watch
Smith’s absence is a big blow to the Eagles. In previous seasons, they have withstood the loss of Smith or A.J. Brown knowing the other would be out there. Can Wicks provide the same comfort? We’ll find out Sunday, and maybe next week in London, too.
The team’s best pass catcher being out comes at a pivotal time for an offense that needs to start putting things together. The Eagles haven’t successfully married their run and pass games the way they said they wanted to. The running game showed some signs of life in the first half on Monday night, and the Eagles will hope to build off of that Sunday.
There are some defensive concerns, too, that may be amplified with Baun out. The Eagles had a key miscommunication Monday that led to a Bears touchdown, and Cooper DeJean said there’s not enough talking happening on the field right now.
What went wrong Monday, and what can we expect Sunday vs. the Rams? Plus, what are the biggest concerns so far for the Eagles? I broke it down with my colleague Olivia Reiner earlier this week in our latest Gameday Central pregame show.
The Eagles are a home underdog for the first time since 2023. They were 10-1 when they hosted the San Francisco 49ers in Week 13 of the 2023 season. A 42-19 beat down at Lincoln Financial Field started a late-season collapse.
Jordan Davis and the Eagles blocked a last-second field goal attempt last season to complete their comeback win against the Rams.David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
32.9% — That’s DeVonta Smith’s target share through three games. Brandon Graham, now away from football and in the podcasting world, got some traction last week after the Eagles’ Week 2 win when he said he thought Jalen Hurts was playing freely and not having to force the ball to certain players.
Maybe he meant the way the offense is designed gives Hurts more answers, or maybe he was referring to Hurts not having to force the ball to A.J. Brown. Either way, the numbers tell a different story. If Smith’s target share number holds up, he would have the highest single-season target share of any Eagles player since at least 2000, according to Next Gen Stats.
Smith is slated to miss this week’s game and possibly next week’s in London. Goedert still isn’t back from injury. Hurts is going to have to put his trust in others.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026 in Nashville, Tenn.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
“Who are we?”
Well, that’s kind of existential, Jalen.
But it’s the question the quarterback said he posed to the locker room in the aftermath of their 27-7 loss on Monday night.
“Ask yourself that question because that’s a choice you can make, and being deliberate and intentional on how we move forward, so we can continue to improve,” Hurts said.
Thanks for reading. The weekly Eagles newsletter will be back again next Saturday sent to your inbox all the way from London, where the Eagles take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5.
The Eagles will be without their top wide receiver for Sunday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Rams — and potentially longer.
DeVonta Smith (hamstring) was ruled out on the final injury report on Friday. He is expected to miss more than Sunday’s game with a lingering right hamstring injury that initially caused him to miss time during camp. He could be out two to three games, two league sources said.
Zack Baun (concussion) and Marcus Epps (groin) also were ruled out against the Rams. Neither Smith nor Baun practiced in the aftermath of Monday night’s loss to the Chicago Bears.
Smith, 27, also was on the injury report last week with the hamstring issue. He did not participate in practice last Thursday, was upgraded to limited on Friday, then participated in full on Saturday before playing against the Bears. He played all 50 offensive snaps and finished with six receptions on eight targets for 65 yards.
DeVonta Smith (left) has been one of the NFL’s most targeted receivers through three weeks. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
The Eagles will have to distribute his ample targets elsewhere. Through three games this season, Smith has received 32.9% of the team’s targets, which is the second-highest rate in the NFL behind the Seattle Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba (37.9%), according to Next Gen Stats. Extended through an entire season, that would be the highest single-season target share by an Eagles player since at least 2000.
Dontayvion Wicks, the second-highest-targeted wide receiver on the Eagles offense, said Thursday that he was ready to step into an increased role if called upon in Smith’s absence.
“If so, I’ve got to step up and be there for [Jalen Hurts],” Wicks said. “Be there for the team, the offense. And capitalize on the plays, opportunities Coach gives me.”
This will be the first time Baun, 29, has missed an Eagles regular-season game because of injury. He played 91.7% of the defensive snaps against Chicago, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. took his place on the final Bears possession. Baun spoke to reporters postgame, so it is unclear when he entered the concussion protocol.
With Baun out, Trotter is expected to start alongside Jihaad Campbell. Trotter, the 2024 fifth-rounder out of Clemson, has yet to start in a non-preseason, non-Week 18 game.
Eagles linebacker Zack Baun (right) is in concussion protocol and will miss Sunday’s game. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Epps, the Eagles’ starter at safety alongside Andrew Mukuba, popped up on Thursday’s injury report with a groin injury and was a limited participant in practice. He did not participate in Friday’s practice.
Last week against the Bears, the Eagles rotated Epps with Michael Carter II at safety throughout the game. Vic Fangio said this week that the plan was for both players to continue to man the position, but he may look to Carter to take it on full-time in the absence of Epps.
The Eagles also signed veteran defensive back Kenny Moore II to the active roster on Tuesday, less than a week after adding him to the practice squad. Moore, 31, had mostly been a nickel cornerback throughout his nine-year career with the Indianapolis Colts, so it is unlikely that he would step in at safety immediately. Fangio said that move could be a “down-the-line possibility.”
Fangio once again shot down the idea of moving Cooper DeJean to safety full-time.
Additionally, Hollywood Brown (ankle), Dallas Goedert (knee), and Fred Johnson (knee) have been ruled out. Each player also was inactive against the Bears.
The Rams have ruled out defensive tackle Aaron Donald, tight end Terrance Ferguson, and cornerback Jaylen Watson. Receiver Puka Nacua, who missed the Rams’ last two outings with a groin injury, is slated to return.
Jalen Carter (left) has been playing with a soft cast on his right wrist. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Carter in cast for ‘a couple more weeks’
As he heals from a hairline fracture in his right wrist, Jalen Carter has been wearing a cast during games. But he doesn’t expect to wear it for much longer.
Carter, the 25-year-old defensive tackle, said Friday that he likely will have to wear the cast for “a couple more weeks.” He acknowledged that wearing the cast has impacted his ability to use his hands, which can impact his technique. But he said his grip strength and mobility are beginning to improve.
“It’s affected me a little bit, but I try not to think about it at the time, in the game,” Carter said. “I can’t make no excuses while I’m in there, so I try not to think about it and just keep pushing. I might feel a little ding, whatever. I can either get out, let it calm down, or just keep playing. Most times, I just keep going.”
Carter has played 81% of the defensive snaps, despite his injury. He has one of the team’s three sacks this season, which he registered in Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans.
Staff writer Jeff McLane contributed to this article.
The Eagles’ ghastly meltdown in Chicago on Monday night raised more questions than it answered, but Nick Sirianni’s team won’t have much time to lick its wounds or implement fixes. The Los Angeles Rams come to town Sunday (1 p.m., Fox29) looking to reestablish some cachet of their own after the preseason Super Bowl favorites dropped to 1-2 with a Sunday night loss to the Broncos.
The Inquirer’s Eagles reporting team took a long look at the matchup and assessed whether the Birds can get well as they return to the Linc for the first time since Week 1.
Nick Sirianni (right) has owned Sean McVay in their personal head-to-head series. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Jeff Neiburg
The Eagles only scored seven points Monday night in Chicago, but I came away from the game a little bit more concerned with the defense than the offense.
The problems with Vic Fangio’s unit are persisting. The Eagles don’t tackle well enough. They haven’t forced a turnover. They are rotating safeties because they don’t have strong enough options. Their best defensive lineman is playing with a fracture in his wrist. Their linebackers have been inconsistent. Their pass rush isn’t getting home enough.
It remains to be seen if linebacker Zack Baun gets through the concussion protocol in time to play on Sunday, but his absence would complicate things even further for a defense that needs a bounceback performance.
That won’t be easy against one of the best offenses in the NFL. Puka Nacua is on track to play, and the Rams are much better with him on the field, and much more capable of attacking the Eagles where they are weakest right now.
The Eagles should be able to build off some of the run success they had in the first half vs. Chicago, but it’s hard for me right now to imagine the offense keeping pace with Matthew Stafford, Davante Adams, Nacua, and the Rams, especially if DeVonta Smith (hamstring) can’t go.
Sirianni’s undefeated record against Sean McVay has to end at some point, right?
Prediction: Rams 30, Eagles 20
A hamstring injury could keep DeVonta Smith (6) off the field on Sunday. David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
Ryan Novozinsky
It’s difficult to be optimistic about the Eagles this week.
Baun (concussion) probably won’t play. Smith’s (hamstring) status is up in the air now. The team struggled mightily against the Bears, even with those two at full health. The first two weeks weren’t pretty either, even in victories.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. will likely fill in for Baun, and while the 23-year-old had a nice preseason and training camp, facing the Rams is a different beast.
The same goes for the wide receiver room. Dontayvion Wicks has been a decent No. 2 receiver option, but can he outplay a Rams secondary led by Trent McDuffie? How will Makai Lemon, who has a meager stat line so far, fare?
Putting aside the Eagles’ woes for a second, the Rams enter this game as motivated as ever following their drama-filled Sunday Night Football loss to Denver, plus the sting of an opening night loss to San Francisco still fresh in their minds.
The Rams also received positive injury updates this week, with Nacua returning to practice as a limited participant. Nacua — arguably the best wide receiver in the league — and Stafford facing an Eagles defense that got torched by Case Keenum last week seems like a recipe for disaster.
All of this is to say: The Eagles need Jalen Hurts to play the game of his life, plus Sean Mannion/Fangio to bounce back after an ugly play calling performance in Chicago if they want a chance against L.A.
Even then, this Rams team might simply be too talented to defeat.
Prediction: Rams 35, Eagles 17
Jalen Hurts might have to be Superman again for the Eagles on Sunday. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Olivia Reiner
I’m lower on the Eagles now than I was at the start of the week.
If Baun (concussion) is out and Smith (hamstring) can’t go, both the Eagles defense and offense face potential setbacks. As Jeff wrote on Thursday, Hurts has targeted Smith on 32.9% of his pass attempts, which is the second-highest rate in the NFL behind the Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba (37.9%).
Who would step up in Smith’s place? Wicks has been promising, but he has averaged less than four targets per game over the course of his four-year career. Smith has been targeted nine times per game this season. Can Wicks handle the increased workload? Or can the Eagles lean more on Lemon, who has just seven receptions on nine targets for 38 yards in his young career?
If elevated from the practice squad to the active roster again, Zach Ertz could have a bigger role in the passing game on Sunday after having one reception on two targets for nine yards against the Bears.
Baun’s potential absence could make Nacua’s return all the more challenging for the Eagles defense to handle. Trotter has been solid in preseason action and the Week 18 outings he has started in over the last two years, but this could be the first meaningful start of his NFL career if Baun isn’t cleared to play.
Perhaps the Eagles will rebound after a dismal loss to the Bears on Monday night. But the cards are stacked against them in this game.
It was a blowout, and it left a lot of questions. The Eagles’ 27-7 loss to the Bears Monday night at Soldier Field featured an offense that fizzled, a defense that folded, and a coaching staff that looked outmatched. On the latest episode of unCovering the Birds, The Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Jeff Neiburg provided a postmortem of the defense’s disappointing start to the season, critique of offensive coordinator Sean Mannion’s approach, and assessment of how some of general manager Howie Roseman’s moves have panned out so far.
Jeff McLane: What do you think are the biggest issues? Big picture when we’re looking at the defense, not just this game. What could be the problems going forward that the Eagles have to find a way around?
Jeff Neiburg: To hear multiple players use the phrases like ‘we’re not … on the same page’ or miscommunications, those are the worrisome things to me, right? Like, of course, you know, Ben Johnson might be Vic Fangio’s boogeyman at this point, right? It’s only a two-game sample size, but boy, the data is there at this point. and Ben Johnson’s offense creates a lot of chaos. It causes miscommunications because there’s so much motion, there’s lots of things going on, there’s funky formations.
I’m with you in the sense that some of this stuff is just isolated to this game, I think. but there are worrisome trends. Not being able to communicate correctly.
I think it was Zack Baun who mentioned after the game, he said it comes down to communication, whether that’s hearing the call, playing the right thing, knowing the assignment. Those are the things [the Eagles] got to get better at.
McLane: I think it is concerning that it wasn’t really just this game. Like the defense was underwhelming in the first two weeks. Now, they kind of kept the scores down.
I thought they were pretty much good enough against Washington, kind of folded late. It felt a little bit like last year when the offense wasn’t getting the job done to close out games and the defense had to do it or that, you know, they suffered under the weight of how ineffective the offense was. Last week, 12 missed tackles. I think they had 11 this week. Vic [Fangio] kind of did what he normally doesn’t do, which is he stacked the box. He kind of sold out to stop the run based upon what the Bears had done to them last year, 281 yards on the ground, and so you can’t fault him in that regard.
Video: unCovering the Birds: Unpacking Nick Sirianni’s rough night in Chicago
And you know, look, make Case Keenum — 38-year-old Case Keenum who hasn’t started in nearly three years, and when he did start a few years ago was dreadful — make him beat you. The way they beat the Eagles was they just got the ball out of his hand quick. They schemed up one, or two plays. I’m not saying Keenum didn’t play well. There were times where he had to kind of make some really sharp and quick decisions and maybe sidestep a rusher here or there. But they forced the Eagles to tackle. And this is clearly now an issue. And I think if you’re looking at those guys in the middle of the field, specifically the safeties and you know, the linebackers, like they’re just not getting it done. And miscommunication should be [viewed as] an issue.
Third year in Vic Fangio[’s] scheme and the majority of the guys are back. You know, I mean I know Riq Woolen is new, but the rest of guys really aren’t, in that back seven. So that is concerning.
Neiburg: An interesting part too, I don’t think we’ve touched on with the defense yet. What’s your level of concern with the lack of impact the vaunted interior trio (Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo) has made on games so far?
McLane: Jalen Carter’s getting paid to be like a Jeffrey Simmons-type defensive tackle and it just hasn’t been there. He makes these splash plays when … he’s a smart football player, he can kind of diagnose something or whatever. I just don’t see him winning a lot at the point of attack. I mean, he gets held a bunch, but it’s like there’s just not a push in the pocket where he’s in the quarterback’s face even. There’s not him, just like kind of winning. One-on-ones he’s not even really kind of pushing the pocket. And this was a center that quite frankly, is maybe one of the worst pass blocking centers in the NFL. Now I haven’t looked I haven’t looked at the film.
Eagles defensive tackle’s Jordan Davis (left) and Jalen Carter go after Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift on Monday. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Neiburg: I’ve seen a couple clips out there. I got to really look at it a little more to see what happened. My feeling from it was that the pass rush wasn’t horrible. The ball was coming out quick, and it was really more a problem with the back seven.
But you know, Jordan Davis you are paying all this money and [is a] good run defender, although I don’t think he had his best game, even though the numbers are pretty good. But he’s not out there a lot on pass rushes because that’s just not his thing. And it’s just like, can you afford to pay someone [like that] that amount of money? [Carter and Davis are] not a big contributor on passing downs. Like they’re both good players. I’m not saying they can’t even become great players, but they’re paying them to be dominant players. And right now, I just don’t see it.
Despite sitting out of Wednesday’s practice with calf and abdomen injuries, Cooper DeJean says he expects to play in Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans.
DeJean, 23, confirmed that he sustained an injury late in the second quarter of the Eagles’ season-opening victory over the Washington Commanders. After he tackled Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs on a reception, DeJean stood up and grabbed the left side of his abdomen. Additionally, DeJean appeared to be wearing a sleeve on his left leg at Wednesday’s practice.
“I hate it,” DeJean said of missing practice. “Wish I could have been out there today. Obviously, you’re missing a day, you’re not getting the looks. So you’ve got to do as much as you can on the side watching the reps and watching the film as well.”
He didn’t miss any snaps due to injury during the game, and he said Wednesday that he wasn’t affected much by it.
Still, he struggled at times in coverage. According to Pro Football Focus, DeJean conceded seven receptions on nine targets for 83 yards and a touchdown. Diggs did the most damage against DeJean, amassing four receptions on five targets for 55 yards and a touchdown in that matchup.
After the game, DeJean said that he “wasn’t good enough” in his debut in his new role, which requires him to play safety in base defense and move to the slot in nickel.
“Sometimes my eyes get bad and that gets me in trouble,” DeJean said at the time. “Just got to be better with that. The good thing is it’s Week 1. We got a lot of games ahead of us and I got to continue to get better for our defense.”
On Tuesday, Vic Fangio agreed with DeJean’s assessment of his play, particularly regarding his eye discipline.
“I think it can happen at times, and at times it’s helped him, too,” the Eagles defensive coordinator said. “He’s just got to make sure he can stay tight enough to his assignment and not let his vision get too skewed to where he gets out of position.”
The Eagles will practice two more times this week before they travel to Nashville, Tenn., to take on the Titans. DeJean said he expects to practice at some point before the game.
Come Sunday, DeJean will be matched up against a familiar face in the slot — Wan’Dale Robinson, the former New York Giants slot receiver. Robinson, who is 5-foot-8, 185 pounds, reunited in Tennessee with Brian Daboll, the former Giants head coach who is now the Titans’ offensive coordinator.
Sunday against the New York Jets, Robinson caught two of three targets for 18 yards when lined up in the slot, according to Next Gen Stats.
Former Giants wideout Wan’Dale Robinson joined former New York head coach Brian Daboll on the Tennessee Titans this offseason.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer
He hasn’t had much success against DeJean. The Eagles defensive back wasn’t targeted on 16 slot matchups with Robinson last season, making him the only defender with a minimum of 10 slot matchups against Robinson to not see a target, according to Next Gen Stats. Still, DeJean expressed respect for the 25-year-old receiver.
“Shifty guy in the slot,” DeJean said. “Understands how to get open. Obviously, he’s played with the coordinator before, so understands the offense and the scheme. I feel like him and the quarterback already got a pretty good connection. So I’m looking forward to our matchup Sunday.”
If, for some reason, DeJean is not healthy enough to play against the Titans, or if he drops out midgame, Michael Carter II would be the next man up. Carter, 27, joined the Eagles at the trade deadline last year after beginning his career with the New York Jets as a fifth-round pick in the 2021 draft from Duke.
In Week 1, Carter played six defensive snaps — four at safety and two as the sixth defensive back in the dime package. He appeared in eight games with the Eagles at the end of last season, and 65 (25 starts) with the Jets over 4½ years.
Zack Baun’s (left) play against the Commanders was recognized by the NFL on Wednesday. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Baun is NFC Defensive Player of the Week
The NFL named Zack Baun its NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his standout performance in Week 1 against the Commanders.
Baun, 29, racked up 12 tackles, two pass breakups, and a tackle for loss in the Eagles’ win. He was targeted six times in coverage and conceded three receptions for minus-2 yards, according to Next Gen Stats.
He is one of two defenders since the start of last season (with Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward) to allow negative receiving yards on at least five targets in a contest.
Baun previously earned Defensive Player of the Week after a 2024 Week 10 showing against the Dallas Cowboys, in which he totaled eight tackles, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
He is the third Eagles linebacker to win the award more than once, joining Seth Joyner (three) and William Thomas (two). Since joining the Eagles two years ago, Baun has elevated his play from core special-teamer with the New Orleans Saints to All-Pro inside linebacker.
“He has this amazing work ethic,” coach Nick Sirianni said on Wednesday. “None of us know our ceiling. What I mean is, none of us know our actual potential, our ceiling, because so much can happen when you work your [butt] off. I may think to myself, ‘Well, my kids aren’t going to be NFL football players because I wasn’t,’ but that’s not fair to say because nobody knows what their potential is until they put the work in.
“That’s a great example of Zack: He is highly talented and he puts the work in.”
Other injury news
Defensive tackle Jalen Carter (wrist) also missed Wednesday’s practice, according to the team’s injury report. Edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, who missed the Week 1 win over the Commanders with a pectoral injury, was a limited participant.
Jalen Hurts answered some questions about how he’ll adjust to maybe the most significant scheme and play-caller change of his NFL career. It wasn’t always pretty, particularly when Washington pressured him or changed the coverage picture post-snap. But Hurts delivered when needed with his arm and legs.
Overall, he completed 14 of 25 passes for 203 yards and three touchdowns. He scrambled five times for 48 yards before game-ending kneels. In the fourth quarter, he found Dallas Goedert over the middle and the tight end did the rest for a 43-yard touchdown. Earlier on the drive, Hurts had a huge 22-yard scramble on third-and-18. There weren’t any designed quarterback runs, but Hurts looked more mobile than he has in a few years.
In the third quarter, Hurts tear-dropped a 31-yarder to DeVonta Smith on a third down. Until that moment in the second half, the offense looked ugly. Hurts and his protection struggled vs. Washington’s blitzes and simulated pressures.
Jalen Hurts (right) completed 14 of 25 passes for 203 yards and three touchdowns on Sunday.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Hurts was mostly excellent in the first half when he had time to throw. He heaved a deep dime to wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks on a 64-yard corner route. He hit Goedert down the seam for a 17-yard touchdown. And he was on time with Wicks on an out route that resulted in a 9-yard touchdown.
After the Eagles guarded the identity of their No. 2 quarterback like it was a state secret, Andy Dalton got the nod ahead of Tanner McKee.
Saquon Barkley did the best he could. There were several rushes in which Barkley was met in the backfield just after the handoff. It looked like last year’s leaky run game at times as he was dropped for a loss on at least four carries. It could have been worse if not for Barkley’s spins, jukes, and strength.
He converted third-and 2 in the second quarter when he broke a tackle and chugged 42 yards. Barkley finished with 83 yards rushing on 15 carries. In blitz pickup, he might have missed an edge pressure in which Hurts was decked in the second quarter. He had a few pickups that gave the quarterback time, but got steamrolled by rookie linebacker Sonny Styles, who recorded a third-quarter sack.
Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley weren’t given much of a workload. Shipley had two carries for 4 yards and caught an 8-yard pass out of the backfield before the half, while Bigsby finished with one carry for 3 yards.
Eagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (center) finished with 73 yards.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Receiver / Tight end: B-
It was a new world for Smith being the No. 1 receiver that drew cloud coverage. He didn’t see the ball much in the first half. But Smith stayed patient and caught two big passes in the second half, including a 31-yard over-the-shoulder grab in which he got both feet inbounds. He made it look easy.
Goedert picked up where he left off last season, catching two touchdowns a year after he had a team-high 11. His first touchdown came on the 17-yard seam route and then he scored from 43 yards out when he reversed field after an over-the-middle grab that sealed the game. Goedert led the Eagles with four catches for 77 yards.
Makai Lemon has a ways to go before he’s a steady contributor. The Eagles forced several passes to the rookie receiver on short passing concepts. He finished with three catches for minus-5 yards. The first catch of his career was a 3-yard dump, the second a 5-yard loss on a screen after Wicks missed a block, and third was another bubble in which he was dropped behind the line. Lemon was hardly at fault for the latter two negative plays. The blocking just wasn’t there.
Makai Lemon had a quiet NFL debut with minus-5 yards on three catches.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Wicks had a solid Eagles debut. He broke free over the top on a corner route on his 64-yard reception. Wicks ran a wicked stem route in which he beat cornerback Mike Sainristil on the 9-yard touchdown catch. There was some confusion at times. Smith had to signal to Wicks a few times for him to motion in the second quarter.
Eli Stowers was placed on injured reserve with hamstring and quadriceps injuries. The rookie tight end was unlikely to play much, if at all. Johnny Mundt had some solid moments as the main point of attack blocker on the run side, but no one had a great day trying to open holes in the ground game.
Offensive line: C
The pressure Hurts faced wasn’t all on the quarterback, just as it wasn’t all on the O-line. But there were multiple breakdowns up front, especially vs. left guard Landon Dickerson. He looked like a turnstile at times. Was Dickerson solely at fault? Of course not. But the oft-injured guard who’s as tough as they come appeared slower than even a year ago when he returned too early after knee surgery.
It was downright ugly in the third quarter when Dickerson got toasted on back-to-back rushes, one of which led to a holding penalty. Earlier, the Commanders’ Javon Kinlaw beat the guard for a run tackle for loss in the first quarter. Dickerson was late to help on a third-down stunt in which Hurts was hurried in the second quarter.
Center Cam Jurgens struggled, as well, particularly in the first quarter. He had a holding penalty when Barkley was nearly dropped in the backfield and then another when it was all on him after he grabbed defensive tackle Shy Tuttle. Right guard Tyler Steen had a tough time getting to the perimeter on a pull block, but he seemed to hold up much more than the other two interior O-linemen.
Tackles Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata were far less at fault in the run blocking. But the O-line unit failed to work as a cohesive unit and everyone was affected. Mailata did turn linebacker Frankie Luvu around on a Barkley 5-yard tote in the first quarter. Johnson and Mailata were much better in pass protection, particularly in one-on-one situations.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts after winning the season opening game against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles quarterback Jalen Hurts celebrates a touchdown with Keyshawn James-Newby (center) and offensive tackle Lane Johnson during the fourth quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles defensive tackle Moro Ojomo celebrates a two-point conversion stop late during the fourth quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles stop the two point conversion attempt during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert celebrates his fourth quarter touchdown at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles tight end Dallas Goedert scores a fourth quarter touchdown past Commanders cornerback Darius Rush during the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert runs for a touchdown in the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles tight end Dallas Goedert catches the football for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles quarterback Jalen Hurts first down run during the fourth quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerWashington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs hugs the goalpost after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia. Unsportsmanlike penalty was called pushing the Commanders back.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerWashington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs scores in the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith catches the ball for a big first down during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts gains fourteen yards on a run in the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerEagles place kicker Jake Elliott kicks a third quarter field goad during the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles cornerback Cooper DeJean stops Commanders wide receiver Jaylin Lane during the third quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith catches the ball against Commanders cornerback Darius Rush during the third quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts sacked in the third quarter by Washington Commanders linebacker Odafe Oweh at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts scrambles on a third down during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles head coach Nick Sirianni racts during the third quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is sacked by Washington Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles in the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles quarterback Jalen Hurts passes to tight end Dallas Goedert late during the second quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter celebrates a blocked extra point late during the second quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts hands off to Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert congratulates Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks after a second quarter touchdown at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni congratulates Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks after his second quarter touchdown at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith tries to block Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles defensive tackle Moro Ojomo goes after Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels during the second quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks celebrates a touchdown with Darius Cooper (left) and DeVonta Smith (right) during the second quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles linebacker Zack Baun celebrates after breaking up a pass intended for Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs during the second quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun stops Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt for a loss, Washington punts on the drive, at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley with a big run in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean and Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun sandwich Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerEagles running back Saquon Barkley gains 42 yards during the second quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert celebrates second quarter touchdown with Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert spikes the ball after a touchdown in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles tight end Dallas Goedert catches a touchdown against Commanders safety Quan Martin during the second quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.nYong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles fans cheer in the first quarter of the season opener against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerEagles quarterback Jalen Hurts reacts during the first quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles wide receiver Makai Lemon catches the ball against Commanders cornerback Amik Robertson during the first quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is sacked by Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley misses a pass in the first quarter, defended by Washington Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles, at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles quarterback Jalen Hurts during a moment of silence before the start of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley runs out of the tunnel at the season opener against the Washington Commanders in Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts runs out of the tunnel during player introductions before the season opening game against the Washington Commanders in Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerGreg Gorski, of Elkins Park, poses for a portrait while tailgating before the Eagles play the Commanders in Philadelphia on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026.David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
Defensive line: B+
The sacks weren’t in the stat sheet, but the Eagles’ front pressured Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels throughout the game. They should have against a suspect offensive line. Nevertheless, defensive tackle Jalen Carter pushed the pocket on many occasions. He had a third-down pressure that forced Daniels outside and unable to complete a pass downfield in the second quarter. Carter was too aggressive on a Jacory Croskey-Merritt 9-yard rush up the middle.
Jordan Davis was superb as a run defender and finished with eight tackles. Moro Ojomo made the game-sealing play when he wasn’t fooled by Washington’s shovel pass on their two-point try to tie the game.
With Jonathan Greenard (pectoral) still not cleared to return, Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith shouldered most of the load on the edges. They didn’t get to Daniels, and lost him at times when he scrambled, but they kept him from escaping when it mattered the most.
Zack Baun celebrates after breaking up a pass intended for Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs during the second quarter.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Linebacker: A-
Zack Baun was the defensive player of the game. He was all over the field. Baun was a beast on back-to-back plays in the second quarter, breaking up a pass over the middle and notching a tackle for loss on a screen pass. Earlier, Baun lowered his head to stuff Rachaad White on third-and-1 in the first quarter. Carter chipped in for the stop. He nearly had a downfield interception before the half, but was out of bounds. He led the Eagles with 12 tackles.
To open the second half, Baun made an open-field stop on third down. Jihaad Campbell was the first to meet running back White when he was stopped on a third-down run on Washington’s first possession. Croskey-Merritt ran through his arm-tackle attempt on a 9-yard run. He got beat by tight end Chig Okonkwo’s 15-yard catch in the third quarter.
Cornerback: B
Cooper DeJean had a rough outing in the slot with outside corners Quinyon Mitchell and Riq Woolen having the boundary sides on relative lockdown.
DeJean appeared to get dinged late in the first half after he allowed a catch over the middle. He got up and winced, but stayed in. Daniels was wise to go back at the slot corner and connected with rookie receiver Antonio Williams on in-breaking routes to the 1-yard line. Washington scored a touchdown on the next play.
Earlier, DeJean got turned around on a third-and-10 conversion. He committed an illegal-contact penalty in the third quarter. His blitz in the third quarter forced Daniels into an incompletion. And he made a tackle short of the sticks later in the quarter.
Mitchell made a stop on a short pass in the second quarter, while Woolen nearly got his hands on multiple balls in the first half.
Eagles safety Marcus Epps (right) makes a run stop in the first quarter.David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
Safety: B
The Eagles had some leaky moments in the middle of the field as Daniels was forced to throw between the numbers. But Andrew Mukuba, Marcus Epps and DeJean more than acquitted themselves. Mukuba might have been a touch late to help Campbell on Okonkwo’s 15-yarder.Epps came up from deep to make a run stop near the line in the first quarter. Epps left briefly with a shoulder injury, but returned in the second quarter.
There was no deep-middle help on Williams’ 33-yard grab in the fourth quarter.
Special teams: B+
Punter Braden Mann was fantastic. He averaged 51.6 yards on seven punts and dropped four inside the Washington 20. Mann pinned Washington deep at the 6-yard line on his first punt. Just before the half, Mann spun a six-iron down at the 2-yard line.
Kicker Jake Elliott split the upright all three of his kicks — a 35-yard field goal and two extra points.
Carter blocked the extra point after the Commanders’ first touchdown. Darius Cooper had some impressive moments as a gunner.
Britain Covey averaged 9.3 yards on four punt returns. Bigsby and Shipley averaged 25 yards on three returns combined.
Nick Sirianni moved to 6-0 in regular season openers with Sunday’s win.David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
Coaching: B
Coach Nick Sirianni moved to 6-0 in openers. He found a way to get it done despite some offensive sloppiness and late defensive letdowns. Still, Sirianni just knows how to win.
New offensive coordinator Sean Mannion will need time as a first-time play-caller. He had some rough calls, particularly in forcing the issue to Lemon. There were too many run calls that resulted in losses. The Eagles also didn’t look quite prepared for Washington’s simulated pressures.
Mannion had some solid calls in the first half, though, in which multiple receivers were open. He dialed up the Hurts-to-Wicks 64-yard bomb out of “13″ personnel and off play-action. Goedert was also wide-open underneath. Mannion’s four-verticals call that led to Goedert’s 17-yard score was also timely vs. Cover 2. Was he throwing shade as his predecessor with the call? Probably not, but it was ironic justice after last season’s fateful end. Earlier on the drive, tempo helped spring Barkley on the 42-yard inside zone run.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio got his players to mostly dominate. They had some rough turns, but they were also on the field far too much in the third quarter because of the offensive inefficiency. Fangio had a rough call when Campbell got matched up against a receiver downfield and the Commanders converted third-and-14 in the fourth quarter. Ultimately, his guys got the job done.
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
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 otherguy 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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It’s a big promotion for Tucker, a Wyomissing native and former NFL offensive lineman, though for now it’s just Week 1. He’ll replace former Houston Texans star J.J. Watt, who will fill in for Romo alongside Jim Nantz in CBS’ No. 1 booth.
“I’m getting hundreds of text messages from people congratulating me. It’s kind of crazy,” Tucker said.
When Romo comes back is anyone’s guess. CBS placed him on indefinite leave following his arrest in Wisconsin on July 23 for suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence. He’s scheduled to appear in court Monday, Sept. 21, at the end of Week 2.
“I don’t think they have a timeline on anything,” Tucker said. “It sounds like we’re taking it one week at a time.”
One reason CBS bumped Tucker up is that he and Eagle already have a great rapport in the booth. The two have called at least 20 games together on Westwood One, including the Eagles’ playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers last season.
“There’s a real comfort level and familiarity there,” Tucker said. “And he has the quickest wit of almost anybody I’ve ever been around.”
In just one example, during Westwood One’s radio broadcast of a 2024 Thursday Night Football game between the Eagles and Washington Commanders, Ross reacted to a play made by Birds defender Zack Baun with the call, “Baun. Zack Baun.”
“Ian, with no hesitation, said, ‘Shaken and stirred!’” Tucker said. “I wasn’t expecting him to have a follow-up … but he’s just so good.”
In addition to his role with CBS, Tucker will call all three Eagles preseason games — two on NBC10 with Scott Graham and one on CBS alongside Andrew Catalon. He’ll also call his fair share of Thursday Night Football games on Westwood One, which has given him something of an upper hand leading into Sunday’s games on TV.
“Sometimes on the field talking to players and coaches, I’ll ask them about the game I have Sunday and their opinion on it, and I’ll get good insight there,” Tucker said. “So there’s a lot of value in doing both.”
The only downside for now is he will no longer call games alongside Phillies announcer Tom McCarthy, whose friendship with Tucker goes back to calling his college football games at Princeton.
Instead, McCarthy will pair up former running back Robert Turbin, who has been a college football analyst for CBS Sports Network since 2022.
The other new face for CBS is former Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame last week. Kuechly was also recently hired by Netflix as the streamer’s top NFL analyst, where he’ll call games alongside Noah Eagle.
Romo could miss an Eagles game … if he’s gone that long
Tony Romo, seen here before a 2022 game, is on indefinite leave at CBS. Michael Ainsworth
Romo wasn’t in New York on Tuesday for CBS’ media day event, a result of his indefinite suspension from the network following his arrest in Wisconsin last month.
The former Cowboys quarterback, entering his 10th season with CBS, was arrested and charged with suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence. He was also cited for having an open container in the vehicle and refusing to take an intoxication test. Bodycam footage of his arrest has been widely shared on social media.
David Berson, president of CBS Sports, told reporters it’s an “evolving situation” and there’s “no timetable or final decision” on when — or if — Romo could be back in the booth.
“Fortunately, we have a very deep bench, and I’m really proud of the way everyone’s stepping up and responding,” Berson said.
The Eagles have two games scheduled to air on CBS. Romo had been slated to call the Birds’ Week 11 matchup against Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Nov. 22, but that’s uncertain until his legal situation is resolved.
Sports media pundits have speculated that this could be a convenient way for CBS to move on from Romo and his reportedly $18-million-a-year contract, which runs through the 2029 season. But police have yet to release the results of his delayed blood alcohol test, and CBS could find itself ensnared in a nasty legal battle if it attempts to force Romo out using a morality clause in his contract.
“There is no extant reality in which CBS fires its No. 1 NFL analyst for ‘unsafe passing on the right’ or ‘crossing the gore area,’” Sportico’s Anthony Crupi wrote.
Other top announcers and sports media personalities have been able to come back from drunken driving incidents.
In 2009, Charles Barkley was suspended by TNT for six weeks after being arrested on New Year’s Eve for driving under the influence. Barkley ultimately pleaded guilty and served three days in jail.
Former Eagles cornerback Darius Slay Jr. is headed to CBS. Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer
Former Eagles defender and Super Bowl champ Darius Slay is headed to CBS as a studio analyst on The NFL Today+, the network’s streaming Sunday pregame show. He’ll be joined by fellow former NFLers Russell Wilson, Antonio Pierce, and Kyle Long. CBS Sports betting analyst Mackenzie Brooks, a Philly native and Central Bucks West alumna, will also contribute to the show.
Former Sunday Night Football sideline reporter Michele Tafoya easily won the U.S. Senate Republican primary in Minnesota on Tuesday night. She’ll face Democrat Peggy Flanagan in November’s midterm elections.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
