The Eagles returned to the practice field on Saturday for the first time since their preseason opener. Here is who stood out:
Highlights
- Eli Ricks had the play of practice, intercepting Tanner McKee for a pick-six. Ricks has been active around the ball in recent sessions, and Saturday was no different.
- Grant Calcaterra was heavily involved in the pass game, bringing in some throws from Jalen Hurts and McKee.
- Dorian Thompson-Robinson made some nice throws. His best came under pressure when he delivered a perfect throw to Taylor Morin in the back of the end zone. Morin did a great job coming down with the pass and keeping his feet in. Morin also caught the two-point conversion.
- Jalen Carter had a strip-sack of Hurts. It was a strong day overall from the defensive line, which generated pressure throughout practice.
- Joshua Uche had a would-be sack on Hurts. He had a nice move to win quickly off the line.
- DeVonta Smith made an impressive diving catch over the middle. ... Kelee Ringo had a strong rep on Smith. ... Johnny Wilson made some plays, including a catch over the middle. ... Giles Jackson had a couple of grabs.
Injury Report
Zack Baun (back) returned to practice on Saturday. A.J. Brown (hamstring), Elijah Cooks (shoulder), Kenyon Green (shoulder), Charley Hughlett (neck), Montrell Johnson (hamstring), Cameron Latu (knee) and Byron Young (groin) all did not practice.
Position Preview: Tight Ends
Dallas Goedert is primed for a big-time season in a two-way role as the Eagles' starting tight end. He is one of the best in the NFL in both blocking at the point of attack and with his route-running and run-after-the-catch abilities. Goedert is a weapon in a variety of ways and the Eagles will use him to open up things on the outside and in the running game. He is a standout No. 1 in the NFL.
Grant Calcaterra stepped up last season with Goedert sidelined by injury and he enters his fourth season brimming with confidence and an improved game gained by the repetitions from last year. Goedert and Calcaterra make for a terrific 1-2 combination.
The spot for No. 3 tight end appears to be an open competition. E.J. Jenkins was part of the team's Super Bowl win in 2024, and he is looking for more in 2025, but there are more players in the mix. The Eagles went out and signed Kylen Granson and Harrison Bryant in free agency, and they are competing for roster spots.
Cameron Latu and Nick Muse also have NFL experience and are very much in the mix as well.
What will the final roster composition look like at tight end? Goedert and Calcaterra and then a whole lot of questions for both the 53-man roster and the practice squad.
- Dave Spadaro
On Deck
The Eagles have their public practice on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. Practice will begin at 6 PM.
