The team moved up practice an hour for the second time in Training Camp to help combat the heat. It didn't help much. The Eagles practiced for 90 minutes on Tuesday in what felt like an oven. Here are nine observations and an update on center Jason Kelce.
1. The team announced after practice that center Jason Kelce is undergoing an elbow cleanout procedure.
2. During individual drills, I spent my time watching the offensive line with coach Jeff Stoutland. Stout is extremely detailed in these sessions, stressing the fundamentals of the position. Isaac Seumalo spent a ton of time working with both Cam Jurgens and Lane Johnson – two players whom he has not spent much time (if any) next to in the trenches – as they get their timing down before next week's joint practices in Cleveland. – Ben Fennell
3. The first team session was a "backed up" period, where the offense lined up on its own 2-yard line in the shadow of the goal post, working to get out into the middle of the field. Jordan Davis made his presence felt on this drill, wrapping up each of the first two runs in his direction right at the line of scrimmage. Davion Taylor jumped a slant route intended for wide receiver A.J. Brown and forced an incompletion. – Fran Duffy
4. Wide receivers are taking on the cornerbacks in one-on-one drills next, and I'm loving the reps between A.J. Brown and James Bradberry today. These are two physically imposing players at their respective positions, and their play strength shows up in both of these reps. On the first snap of the drill, Brown won on a slant route inside, but Bradberry did not make it easy. This guy forces receivers to work at every phase of the rep (release, mid-route, and at the catch point). Brown got the better of the first rep, but Bradberry got the last laugh, poking the ball out on a back-shoulder throw on their next matchup, forcing an incompletion. These are two professionals honing their craft every day out here on the practice field. – Ben
5. Early in the next team period, Brandon Graham disrupts a run play by knifing into the backfield and forcing the run outside for a loss. Graham has been impressive this summer coming off of his Achilles injury. He's lined up inside and outside. He's won with power and technique. He's sniffing out screens. He's stopping the run. He's dominating one-on-one reps. He's flashing in team periods. He brings infectious energy every day. It's so great to see No. 55 back out on the field, and he was really active today with more one-on-one wins and a sack in a later team period. – Fran
6. Another defensive lineman who is flashing on a daily basis is Tarron Jackson. He got a "sack" at the end of this team period, one of a handful he's had so far this summer in 11-on-11 drills. He's done this while having a solid showing in one-on-ones as well. Jackson has shown good technique this summer and plays with a relentless pursuit of the football on a daily basis. I really appreciate the skill set he brings to the table. – Ben
7. Speaking of those one-on-one drills, that's next on the docket this morning in practice. Lane Johnson has pitched a near shutout in these drills this summer, and that continued on the first rep of the drill as he ran the hoop with Derek Barnett to kick things off. Fletcher Cox and Jordan Davis both won consecutive reps with powerful bull rushes. Javon Hargrave continues to show his quickness and suddenness off the ball. Haason Reddick showed a slick inside move for a win, and Josh Sweat was able to get the edge and turn the corner on the next rep. I love watching this defensive line every day. They're the ultimate Swiss Army knife for this defense, because they can do so many different things with a variety of body types and skill sets, and it really seems like the staff is going to lean into that versatility this year. – Fran
8. While linemen did drills on the far field, I watched 7-on-7 action in front of me. My favorite rep came with Jalen Hurts stepping up and hitting A.J. Brown over the middle on a slant. But this was not a simple throw – this is what is called a "second-window" throw. Within the timing of the play, the ball should be thrown to the receiver as he comes out of his break, but there was a defender right there to pick the pass off in underneath zone coverage! So, Hurts waited just a tick for Brown to clear that first defender, and put the ball right into the "second window," hitting Brown in stride to move the chains. Really nice play there from Hurts on this throw between the linebackers. – Ben
9. Wide receiver Jalen Reagor is stacking days out here in practice. In previous summers, Reagor was making outstanding one-handed catches on a semi-regular basis, but was mixing them in with some tough drops as well. That has not been the case this year, as the third-year wideout has been steady for the Eagles' receiving corps. Lining up inside and outside, Reagor has made catches along the sideline, in the middle of the field, in the screen game, and in the vertical pass game working with both the first and second units on offense. That continued in the heat on Tuesday. – Fran
10. The final team period featured some nice runs from running back Miles Sanders, who had some nice cuts in their zone run schemes to get downhill into the teeth of the defense. One thing I'm really excited about with this Eagles offense is the possibility of running the ball from three-receiver sets. With guys like A.J. Brown and Zach Pascal in the slot and on the perimeter, you have two strong point of attack receivers who can erase defenders on the outside. This run game should still be one of the league's best this fall. – Ben
Injury Report
Did Not Practice
TE Grant Calcaterra – Hamstring
T Le'Raven Clark – Hamstring
RB Kenneth Gainwell – Hip
WR John Hightower – Groin
C Jason Kelce - Elbow
CB Jimmy Moreland - Ankle
RB Boston Scott - Concussion
WR DeVonta Smith – Groin
S Jaquiski Tartt – Personal Reasons
CB Kary Vincent - Groin
WR Greg Ward – Toe
WR Keric Wheatfall - Hamstring
Limited
T Andre Dillard – Concussion
T Jordan Mailata – Concussion
