The Eagles spent the morning undergoing conditioning drills in a practice session that was closed to media and fans. The first full-roster practice is this afternoon, although it will be in shorts and shells again. The first practice with pads and hitting will be tomorrow. Stay posted this afternoon for an update on what the depth chart looks like in practice, meanwhile here's a look at a few of the stars of the first few days of camp. It remains to be seen how they'll perform when the pads go on, their reps diminish, and they have to make the most of limited opportunities.
RB LeSean McCoy -There was little doubt among onlookers during the rookie and selected veterans portion of training camp that McCoy was playing at a different speed than most of the other players on the field. He made catching the ball look easy, and flashed some moves that could delight Eagles fans for years. His challenge for the rest of camp will be proving he can remain productive when facing defenses that can hit him, and, perhaps more importantly, proving that he can be trusted in pass protection.
TE Cornelius Ingram - Ingram was the other undisputed star of early training camp, as he looked to be a force in the passing game - especially in the red zone. He faces similar challenges to McCoy, proving he can block at the NFL and becoming comfortable with the playbook. But the other main thing to watch with Ingram is his reaction to playing in pads for the first time in over a year, and how his surgically reconstructed knee holds up.
WR Danny Amendola -Amendola has done everything right so far in camp, but he faces a very uphill battle to make the roster. Fortunately for him, the absence of Jeremy Maclin has opened a door for Amendola to perhaps get more reps with the veterans. The undisclosed injury to Brandon Gibson might have the same effect. But Amendola is still trying to crack a rotation that already includes five proven NFL veterans. Amendola will have to show he can contribute on special teams, and will need to maintain the level of effort and productivity he has shown in camp thus far.
DB Macho Harris - Harris was probably the most impressive of the defensive backs in camp the first few days, and spent time working out at both safety and cornerback. He also faces a tough battle for a roster spot in a crowded defensive backfield, but Defensive Coordinator Sean McDermott has discussed Harris' talent level and his interest in getting him on the field. We'll see how he does in pads.
CB Jack Ikegwuonu - Coming back from a knee injury that kept him out all of last season, Ikegwuonu has shown confidence in his knee, and has looked to be a physical cover corner. He needs to prove that he can look handle contact well enough to make a strong roster push.
DB Byron Parker -The CFL All-Star is facing a similar uphill battle to Amendola, but he has made some very nice plays in the first few days of camp, including a tremendous diving tip to set up a Macho Harris interception. Parker will have to make the most of his limited reps to stand out.
A couple other players to watch as they can make an impact now that the pads are actually on include undrafted rookie defensive tackle Jervonte Jackson, linebacker Charleston Hughes, fifth-round draft choice offensive lineman Fenuki Tupou, and undrafted rookie fullback Marcus Mailei.
-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 2:50 p.m., July 30
