Good morning, Eagles fans! Welcome to the weekend and Day 3 of Training Camp! Today's practice will begin at 9:15 a.m. Following practice offensive coordinator Mike Groh will meet with reporters and it will be livestreamed here and on our social media platforms. In this edition of Morning Roundup presented by Microsoft, there is a lot to cover from tear-jerking moments to incredible plays on the field. Let's recap the hot topics!
1. An inspiring fan shares a special moment with his hero, Carson Wentz
At the conclusion of practice, quarterback Carson Wentz stopped to give autographs and high fives to special guests lined up along the entrance to the NovaCare Complex. Among the visitors was 11-year-old superfan Giovanni Hamilton, who has Schwartz-Jampel Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects bone and muscle development. Carson and Giovanni were able to share a heartfelt moment together where Giovanni told him, "You're my hero." As the two embraced, Giovanni's mother thanked Carson for being an inspiration to her son and their whole family.
2. An unlikely candidate produces the play of the day
In our Practice Notes, Fran Duffy, Chris McPherson, and Ben Fennell break down a special teams-focused practice along with some head-turning plays. Wide receiver Carlton Agudosi provided the most impressive catch of the day on a throw from Cody Kessler down the left sideline. The Rutgers alum used his 6-6, 220-pound frame to make the play and the fans in attendance went wild.
"I've been working it a lot this offseason and the past years. It was a great ball by the quarterback," Agudosi said of the route. "He (Cody Kessler) kind of looked at me before we left the huddle and told me he was looking for me, so I ran it with a purpose. It was a great throw."
3. Big steps for DE Josh Sweat in his second Eagles season
With his rookie year in the books, Josh Sweat has his sight set on making his presence known on defense in the 2019 season. The Florida State product compiled 138 tackles (77 solo), 29 tackles for loss, and 14.5 sacks during his time with the Seminoles. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz praised Sweat's ability to generate power and the importance of his play during Training Camp. Eagles Insider Dave Spadaro has more.
"He did a really nice job through all of our OTAs," defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said. "But how he contributes this year will be dependent on how he practices in Training Camp, and what he looks like in preseason games. But we're excited about him. He's long. He can play with some power. He has speed. He's around the passer when he rushes because he's so long. There are a lot of good things with him. He just needs to have a good camp, and I think he's focused on being able to do that."
4. Don't overlook this critical rule change for the 2019 season
On Friday, a group of NFL officials came to the NovaCare Complex and addressed the rules changes for the 2019 season. The most influential rule could be the removal of blindside blocks.
"Players are not allowed to use the arms or shoulders for forcible contact when they are going back toward their goal line or parallel," said Shawn Smith, an NFL official entering his fifth season in the league and his second as a referee."
5. From The Bodyguard to The Bus Driver?
Jason Peters spent time with Carson Wentz in Houston prior to the start of Training Camp. Both Pro Bowl players helped "start the bus," in Peters' words, in the Super Bowl season before being sidelined due to injury. Now, they are 100 percent healthy and ready to resolve some "unfinished business."
For everything Peters has done in his Hall of Fame career, he wants the chance to play in the championship game. Read more of Peters' thoughts about Wentz and how he claps back at Cowboys fans in his hometown.
6. Eagles claim CB Alex Brown off waivers
The Eagles claimed cornerback Alex Brown off waivers Friday afternoon. Brown was recently waived by the San Francisco 49ers after signing with them as an undrafted free agent in the spring. The South Carolina State University product is 22 years old standing at 5-11, 170-pounds. He attended Lake Marion High School in Santee, South Carolina.
