Wednesday, August 20

1:44 PM: Wednesday's practice marked the final Training Camp session open to reporters. The Eagles will have a walk-through on Thursday ahead of their preseason finale against the Jets on Friday. Then, the roster gets cut to 53 players by Tuesday at 4 PM.

Fourth-round defensive tackle Ty Robinson got his first taste of NFL action this offseason, and he reflected on his first camp after Wednesday's practice.

"What an experience," Robinson said. "It's been a lot of fun. It's been a lot of frustration with myself. I just want to be able to perform to my best ability. I just want to get better. I want to be able to do my part for whatever this team needs. Just being able to continue to grind the little things and do better and enjoy the experience and the process. It's been a lot of fun."

This is Robinson's first time entering a new environment in a while. He spent the last six years at Nebraska, breaking out in 2024 with seven sacks in 13 games.

Robinson is starting a new chapter of his life, but he doesn't feel out of place heading into the regular season.

"Coming from college, we had a really close locker room there in college in Nebraska," he said. "I was able to go in and talk with any position group, any class, any year type of deal. I expected it to be more professional, kind of everyone minding their own. But to be honest, I get that kind of same feeling here with Philadelphia. I mean, it's a lot of fun to be in that locker room with that group of guys in there. And definitely throughout the summer, as I've tried to earn the respect of everyone in there, you definitely can kind of sense the welcoming from all the guys in there from multiple positions." – Matt Ryan

Tuesday, August 19

3:34 PM: As the preseason draws to its closure and speculation about how roles will be filled for the 2025 Eagles season, running back A.J. Dillon is not taking the bait. He isn't concerned in the least about how he "will fit into" the plans in the offensive backfield. He knows he is "with talented players like Saquon (Barkley) and Will (Shipley)."

What matters to Dillon is contributing any way he can as a running back, a receiver and on special teams.

"I have had the same mindset since I came here and that is to have fun, work hard and help the team in any way I can," he said, "and that continues. Every day I'm here, I'm enjoying it. This is what I came here for, it's been that way since the start."

Barkley is the lead running back in the room and Shipley has made a clear and impressive jump in his second season as an Eagle, so Dillon is fine working his way into the mix in any way asked by the coaching staff. After taking last season off because of a neck injury suffered in the 2023 season while a Green Bay Packer, Dillon's joy is clear: He is back in the NFL, playing well, playing for a good team and in a locker room that has opened its arms for him.

"Everything has gone the way I hoped it would," Dillon said. "I feel great with my health and my role, whatever that may be. Taking it all one step at a time and when the regular season is here, I will be ready for whatever they have for me." – Dave Spadaro

9:55 AM: The Eagles officially announced the acquisition of wide receiver John Metchie III in a trade with the Houston Texans on Monday. Metchie arrived in Philadelphia, passed his physical, and immediately began working behind the scenes to get up to speed on the offense.

Metchie, who will wear No. 80, will take part in his first practice on Tuesday morning at the NovaCare Complex.

Offensive Coordinator Kevin Patullo recalled evaluating Metchie prior to the 2022 NFL Draft. Patullo is "excited to see what (Metchie) can do."

"I think anytime you can add a player like him to the room, just create more competition, it's great for the rest of the team," Patullo said. "Howie (Roseman, Executive Vice President/General Manager) does a really good job of adding good players and adding depth and giving us more options to work with during the season because you're going to need as many bodies as you can. I think he does a really good job of bringing guys in who can add to the team and we're excited to have him."

Patullo likes Metchie's ability to play multiple receiver positions. With the deadline to trim the roster to 53 players coming next Tuesday at 4 PM, Patullo understands that the competition level will be raised with few spots available at each position.

"That's part of the business. We all know that," Patullo said. "When a guy comes in late like he did, like we have right now, the situation is that the other guys need to understand, 'I still have another week to prove myself. I have to continue to work through this and do the best that I can.' From there, the decision is up to Howie and Nick (Sirianni, head coach) and everybody upstairs. I think ultimately the guys understand it's all a competitive thing. When you look at a back-end roster guy, you're not only competing for our roster, but you're competing for other rosters at all times." – Chris McPherson

Monday, August 18

2:58 PM: Talent is something every player in the NFL has, no matter where they played in college or how they reached the League. The difference between good and great can be, in many instances, achieved in the film room.

That is something Nolan Smith has learned early in his Eagles career. Digging in deep with Defensive Ends/Outside Linebackers Coach Jeremiah Washburn has helped Smith gain in his game.

"Week to week, we come up with a plan on how to attack the quarterback and win. We talk about it and watch guys and work on hand placements and things like that," Smith said. "Last year towards the playoffs, I watched every clip Coach Wash put together and studied on my own and that helped me a lot."

Smith blossomed last year, in his second season here, and his four quarterback sacks in the postseason set a franchise record. He wants more in 2025 and knows that teams are going to try to take away his speed and burst off the edge. The Eagles raved about Smith, a first-round draft pick in 2023, and his get-off and ability to bend the edge when he came out of Georgia.

He has rewarded that faith and is continuing to fine-tune his game in Year 3.

"I'm going to do what they ask me to do, line up where they want me to line up and go out and play ball," he said. "It's all about me working on my game and finding out where I can win and help the team. That's what I'm doing every day out here." – Dave Spadaro

1:50 PM: After spending most of his three-decade career coaching in college, Scot Loeffler left his position as the head coach of Bowling Green to become the Eagles' quarterbacks coach.

Loeffler joins the position room led by Super Bowl LIX MVP Jalen Hurts, and in his limited time working with Hurts he sees some aspects that the all-time greats have.

"He's a special guy," Loeffler said. "He's super tough, super great competitor, and he's got this mentality that every day that he wants to improve. Every great one that I've ever been around has got those qualities. He's got them, and he's been an absolute pleasure and he's made me better. We're both trying to become the best version we possibly can for our team."

Despite Hurts' success since entering the NFL, his desire to get better continues to grow. It's something that has stood out to Loeffler as the enters his first season working with the quarterback.

"His willingness to improve every single day," Loeffler said on something that caught his eye about Hurts. "I think he's a guy that understands that we're chasing perfection. We're chasing it, and there's no such thing at that position. Not one quarterback that I've ever been around has ever played a perfect game. But we're chasing it, and I think our whole team's doing that. That's why this is a special organization." – Matt Ryan

9:47 AM: Looking for a reason to watch the final preseason game on Friday night when the Eagles travel up the New Jersey Turnpike to face the New York Jets (7:30 PM, NBC10/SportsRadio 94 WIP)?

The battle for the starting outside cornerback spot opposite Quinyon Mitchell will likely continue into the game, Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio said on Monday morning before practice.

"All the guys are pretty even right now," Fangio said. "We haven't reached that conclusion yet."

Fangio said Cooper DeJean will get some looks at outside cornerback in Monday's practice, but he won't factor into the competition for the starting role at this point. Fangio wants to see how DeJean handles the position and would want someone else to be capable of taking over the nickel spot that DeJean did such a good job of as a rookie, earning a spot as a finalist for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, along with Mitchell. – Chris McPherson

Thursday, August 14

1:57 PM: Things are coming along smoothly for rookie Jihaad Campbell, who finished off his second day of joint practices with the Browns by spending some time with friend Myles Garrett, Cleveland's superstar defensive end.

The story for the Eagles, though, is Campbell and the progress he's made in a short period of time after missing most of the spring work recovering from a shoulder injury. Campbell was out on the field on the first day of Training Camp and he has been progressing very, very well.

A lot of it comes from his natural ability – he was the 31st pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, after all – but a lot also comes from his position coach, Bobby King, and the way his teammates have helped him learn the game. And Campbell deserves a ton of credit for the work he put in during the time he was injured.

It has all come together fast for Campbell and there is a long way to go, which is exciting thinking about where he might be when the best emerges on the field.

"The main thing for me out here is just getting better and striving for perfection," he said. "We are all not perfect as human beings in general, but we want to strive for perfection. It's all positive and at the same time it's important to remain humble."

How Campbell is used when the regular season begins remains to be seen, of course, but he is on the right track.

And for a player with his kind of natural skills, that is promising for the season ahead. — Dave Spadaro

12:36 PM: Tyler Steen is taking the correct approach: He has, in his words, accomplished nothing. While he practiced with the first-team offense throughout the spring and summer, Steen is staying where his feet are. Translation: Steen is taking nothing for granted.

"I'm happy that I've been able to continue to grow, continue to get better – and I see myself getting better and I'm happy for that – but I wouldn't necessarily say that I'm proud of anything," Steen said.

Playing right guard involves the combination of extreme quickness and power in a confined space against enormous men who combine strength and power and agility and speed, so to be great at the position requires so much of everything. Steen thinks he has gotten better in a very specific area or two that has helped take his game to a new level.

"I think my hands have definitely gotten better," he said. "I've always felt I was able to use my feet well. I think I've definitely gotten stronger since I got here for sure. Hands have been really big to snatch off gains, reset my hands. The improvement in my hands has allowed me to really improve."

The goal for Steen is to start at right guard and play at a high level. He has experience – last season Steen started two games and played a total of 317 offensive snaps – so now it is just a matter of settling in, playing with confidence, following his technique excelling at the little things Offensive Line Coach Jeff Stoutland is telling him.

Steen has built chemistry with right tackle Lane Johnson, so the right side of the line is in a good position with two preseason games to go.

"I feel good out there, improving every day and that is what I want to do," Steen said. "Staying consistent, that's what it's all about here." — Dave Spadaro

10:08 AM: Head Coach Nick Sirianni described Wednesday's joint practice with the Cleveland Browns as a "really good back and forth" and a "great opportunity to evaluate our players against different players."

"You get better through competition," Sirianni said.

Sirianni admitted that there were "too many negative plays" offensively, but praised the run game, especially with how the running backs carried the ball through traffic – "really crisp there."

From an injury standpoint, Sirianni said that wide receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) will "be out there when he can" and that the mission is to have him "firing on all cylinders" for the start of the regular season. Brett Toth has taken all of the first-team reps at left guard with Landon Dickerson (knee) sidelined. "Brett's done a nice job ... He's got a lot of versatility."

The Eagles have another joint practice with the Browns on Thursday morning before a walk-through on Friday to get ready for Saturday's preseason home game with Cleveland at 1 PM (NBC10, SportsRadio 94WIP). – Chris McPherson

Wednesday, August 13

8:35 PM: The rookie version of Jalyx Hunt didn't particularly feel comfortable lining up for joint practices against the New England Patriots. This year with Cleveland in town? Bring it on.

"Last year I was kind of nervous about practicing with other teams, because I didn't know how I would look. But this year, I'm real thankful, just so I can try some new things and compete against different people."

Hunt grew enormously in his rookie season and then, literally, did the same in the offseason. He added muscle and is at the desired playing weight and he has been outstanding this summer.

The confidence factor is high as well. Hunt is in his second season and a player the Eagles expect a lot from this season.

"You kind of settle down. Last year was arguably the longest year of my life – I've had some long years – but it seemed like it just kept going," Hunt said. "You kind of get thrown in, and especially when you want to play at a high level, you want to fall in line. It's a big difference from college to the NFL, no matter where you come from, whether it's the biggest of the big schools or the smallest of the small. So you just have to fall in line.

"This year, way more comfortable. I know what's expected of me as a player and as somebody in the locker room you gotta bring energy, you gotta be focused, you gotta be detailed. Coach makes it real clear. This year I was able to come with clear expectations and clear goals." – Dave Spadaro

6:13 PM: What hasn't wide receiver DeVonta Smith accomplished on the football field? He has made all the great catches, put the ball in the end zone, toughed it out … anything and everything. And yet the insatiable drive to improve is what drives Smith to perfect the imperfections and hone his craft even more.

"You've got to do a deep dive into yourself," he said on Wednesday after Day 1 of joint practices with Cleveland at the NovaCare Complex. "You have to look at what you did the year before and just really assess yourself the right way, be honest with yourself. You have to make the most of your opportunities and when you have a chance to make a play, you have to make it."

Training Camp is for taking things step by step and that includes shaping the offensive personality. Smith said the direction of the scheme is taking shape and that when the regular season begins the Eagles will have a clear way of attacking defenses.

"We want to be able to do what we want to do in a lot of different ways," he said. "That's the goal for us and that is what we are working on. It's been fun getting out here and getting better as a team." — Dave Spadaro

2:40 PM: After being sidelined for multiple practices with a back injury, Zack Baun is back on the field at Eagles Training Camp.

He's had time to watch and play alongside first-round rookie linebacker Jihaad Campbell, and his traits stand out to Baun.

"I mean, the dude's a physical specimen," Baun said after Wednesday's joint practice with the Browns. "You look at him, he really knows ball. He takes good notes. He's into the meetings and shows it on the field. (Inside Linebackers Coach) Bobby King talks a lot about block destruction. He's got all the physical tools, just refining those tools to sharpen them."

Baun spent his first four seasons playing in a reserve role with the New Orleans Saints before becoming a first-team All-Pro and Defensive Player of the Year finalist in Philly. After signing a lucrative contract this offseason, Baun is one of the key players in the locker room and looking to help young players, especially Campbell, fulfill their potential.

"I'm just trying to be a resource to him and really to all the guys," Baun said. "I just don't want to be that vet that hides the secret sauce or doesn't give the secret ingredient. That's not who I am. I'm trying to build everyone up around me. Jihaad, especially, can be so good, I just want to get him to play his best ball as early as he can." – Matt Ryan

9:42 AM: Pro Bowl left guard Landon Dickerson suffered a knee injury during practice on Sunday night. When the Eagles took the field on Tuesday morning, it was Brett Toth who worked in with the first-team unit.

Offensive Coordinator Kevin Patullo knows that Run Game Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach Jeff Stoutland will have the position capably filled while Dickerson is sidelined.

"We have the best O-line coach in the NFL, so from that standpoint, we feel really confident no matter what happens in who plays that position," Patullo said on Wednesday morning before the first joint practice with the Browns. "Stout's done an unbelievable job throughout the years of getting somebody ready to play, whoever that is, and not missing a beat."

On Toth, who first signed with the Eagles as a rookie free agent in 2019, Patullo said, "He's a really smart individual, really good with the detail of the game. He understands a lot of positions, which is great to have a guy like that who can line up in multiple spots and be able to step in if something happens. I think that's the biggest thing he brings. He's been in the system for a while. He understands what we want to do and the way Stout teaches it, which is really important, so the details of it feel really natural when he's next to the other guys."

Patullo called the plays in a game situation for the first time on Thursday night in the preseason opener and said that the operation "was really good. We were really smooth. We had no problems with anything." He'll look for more of the same this week with the Browns in town.

"The biggest thing is run it like a game as best we can so we can feel the structure and the organization of the flow of how we're going to do things, get plays in and out, and organize it to where the guys feel like they're playing in a game," he said. "It's a good test for our guys to say, 'OK, we've got to go against something new. We've worked this play against Vic (Fangio's defense) at length. Now, let's see if we can problem-solve it and execute it against a different defense." – Chris McPherson

5:00 AM: It's joint practice day!

The Eagles will take the practice field alongside the Cleveland Browns for practice on Wednesday and Thursday. The Eagles will then play the Browns on Saturday at 1 PM (Lincoln Financial Field, NBC10/SportsRadio 94WIP) in the preseason.

These next two days will be a great opportunity to get a look at the Eagles' starters against a different team. Before Philadelphia's Public Practice on Sunday, Head Coach Nick Sirianni talked about the importance of practicing versus another unit.

"Joint practices are a good way to change it up, but we get a lot of good work when we're out there by ourselves also," Sirianni said. "... (It's a) big area to be able to evaluate your team against another team and evaluate your players against another team when you do joint practices."

In the hot summer days, there has been a history of joint practices around the NFL getting a bit too physical and fights breaking out. Sirianni said that's not something he expects against the Browns, and he's looking forward to getting in good reps against Cleveland.

"Our expectation is to go out there and get good work at practice," Sirianni said. "Not to say that there's not things here and there, but our expectation is to go get good work at practice and you can't do that when you're fighting. We work at that together, and I'm always appreciative of Kevin (Stefanski, Browns head coach) and his staff with the Browns to be able to do that and that's why we can continue to practice against the Browns." – Matt Ryan

Tuesday, August 12

6:14 PM: Everything, says second-round draft pick Andrew Mukuba, is positive. He is making the right kind of progress from a shoulder injury that has limited him at times this summer and in the way he's progressing in the Eagles' defensive scheme. On the field, Mukuba says he is accomplishing his goal of improving every day.

The next step is to do it in a game situation, which is what the next week of Training Camp and the preseason will provide with the Browns in town for joint practices on Wednesday and Thursday and a preseason game on Saturday.

"I'm looking forward to competing, to be honest with you," Mukuba said. "Finally, we get to see somebody that's different, not just going against our team. It's going to be exciting to see another team come in and to compete against them.

"I've been able to take mental reps when I'm on the sidelines, paying attention to the calls and seeing how things develop. It gives me a different view to see what other guys are doing, the things that I'm expected to be doing when I'm on the field. That helps me learn from them."

Mukuba said that he feels he has "caught up" in the defense, so now it's a matter of showing his game. The Eagles finish the preseason one week from Friday against the New York Jets and then it is on to Dallas for the September 4 regular-season opener.

We will know then how close Mukuba is to contributing to Vic Fangio's defense. This next stretch of time could play a big part in just where he factors in to the group. - Dave Spadaro

1:50 PM: Sydney Brown likes the progress he has made in this 2025 summer. He is healthy, in command of the Eagles' defense, on top of his game. Brown played 28 snaps on defense in the preseason opener against Cincinnati and made three total tackles and after watching the film of the game says he has more work to do, but ...

"I did my job. I did exactly what I needed to do. I fit where I needed to fit," Brown said. "I read the run, the pass well. Obviously, there's things to improve on, things to read quicker, but I think I did my job for what I needed to do out there.

"I'm my biggest self-critic. There is always something I can do better, even on a perfect rep. That's just my mindset. That's just who I am. No matter the outcome is of the rep, I just try to learn from it. I felt amazing out there. The game has slowed down for me."

The knee injury suffered in 2023 is totally healed and having a full offseason has made a difference as Brown pushes for a big role in the defense.

"Last year was just hard. When I went out there, I didn't really understand what I was doing. As I entered rotations and made that comeback, I wasn't fully confident. That mental tool can take away from your physical ability and that's what I think happened.

"This is a new year and I know I have a lot to work on, but I'm pleased with where things are right now." – Dave Spadaro

10:31 AM: 2024 fifth-round pick Ainias Smith scored a touchdown on a 6-yard pass over the middle from Tanner McKeen, then after the Bengals' next offensive drive sputtered, returned a punt 46 yards to set up another score just before halftime in Thursday night's win over Cincinnati.

Special Teams Coordinator Michael Clay explained how Smith took advantage of the Bengals' punt coverage.

"It was a great move by Ainias out there," Clay said before practice on Tuesday. "Ainias did a good job of pressing vertically for the first 6 yards, then he made a heck of a one-cut off that right side to get past 32 and then it was all him right there."

Clay credited Keilan Robinson with the football equivalent of taking a charge in basketball to help spring Smith open.

Smith did not return any punts last season. Clay highlighted where Smith has improved to give himself a chance in that area.

"Worked really hard in terms with his feet, being a little faster to the catch point," Clay said, which allows Smith more time to gather himself and accelerate.

The Eagles released rookie long snapper Christian Johnstone on Tuesday. The plan all along was for Johnstone to take the reps while Charley Hughlett recovered from a neck injury.

Clay was also asked about Braden Mann and Jake Elliott switching roles on the point after following Smith's touchdown reception in the second quarter. Mann kicked the extra point, while Elliott was the holder. It's all about preparing for emergencies, Clay said.

"It's on us as coaches to think of all the bad things that can happen," he said. – Chris McPherson

Sunday, August 10

6:07 PM: The Eagles are hosting their public practice in front of a sold-out Lincoln Financial Field crowd on Sunday night. Before the session, Head Coach Nick Sirianni talked about using this practice time during Training Camp as an opportunity to emulate game situations.

"That's what we try to do at all times, is make practice as game-like as possible," Sirianni said. "That's the reason for situational football that we do when I get on the loud speaker in the middle of practice and that's the same thing that you're trying to do within practice with how you practice."

The Eagles will have plenty of opportunities to do just that over the next few days with Sunday's stadium practice and joint practices with the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday and Thursday.

4:30 PM: Smael Mondon played on college football's grandest stages from intense SEC rivalries to the National Championship.

Even he noticed that there's a bit of a difference in the game speed at the NFL level in Thursday night's preseason opener.

"It was just a crazy experience for me, real blessed to have been able to experience that," Mondon said before Sunday's Public Practice at Lincoln Financial Field. "But definitely fast, for sure, I would definitely say it was fast, but it was real good to be out there."

Mondon started alongside Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and played 36 snaps — most of any off-ball linebacker — and posted four tackles.

He's appreciated the added reps in Training Camp with Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean sidelined due to injury, seeing a definite growth in his game in a short amount of time. It's not just the reps, it's the ability to talk things through with fellow rookies Jihaad Campbell and Lance Dixon on and off the field.

"We lean on each other a lot. We all just kind of help each other out. It's kind of like a one hand washes the other thing," Mondon said. "We're all stronger together, two minds are stronger than one. Just being out there, having other guys that's experiencing the same thing I'm experiencing at the same time, we kind of just go through it together." — Chris McPherson

9:14 AM: The mindset running back A.J. Dillon had going into Thursday's preseason game against Cincinnati was to "feel like a kid playing in the backyard," and that's exactly what happened. Dillon was productive in his first action after missing all of last season with a neck injury, carrying five times for 27 yards and adding another 27 yards on three receptions.

He was powerful carrying defenders inside, he showed deftness with a nice jump cut to earn positive yards, and Dillon displayed timing and vision.

It was, all things considered, a terrific outing.

"It was everything I was hoping to get out of it," Dillon said.

Dillon is off to a great start, factoring into an Eagles backfield that features Saquon Barkley leading the way and with Will Shipley contributing. The Eagles have a strong three-headed monster and Dillon isn't concerned about the number of catches and carries and reps he gets.

His job is to be ready when called upon.

"It doesn't matter to me how much I carry the football or things like that," he said. "I'm here to have fun and help the team win. I just love being here and being part of things and that is the approach I've had since Day 1 and I'm still enjoying it so much. It's been great out here." – Dave Spadaro

Saturday, August 9

1:50 PM: Kyle McCord gained his first taste of football at the NFL level in Thursday's preseason opener, completing 1 of 5 passes for 8 yards with an interception. He wants more.

"It was alright. It was good to get that experience under your belt. I think every day it's starting to slow down and feel more like college being able to play with anticipation," said McCord, a sixth-round draft pick (No. 181 overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft. "Just trying to capitalize on every single opportunity."

McCord understands that the NFL is a whole different ballgame than college, so there are going to be hiccups and adjustments in the process. There is, however, not a bit of discouragement: Every rookie quarterback experiences the same new perspective.

"Just trying to be a sponge in the (quarterback) room and obviously the volume of reps isn't high, but that's why you have to be really good watching film and learning while the other guys are in, so that when you get your opportunity, you use those reps to your advantage," McCord said. "Every day is a step in the direction."

More reps are coming for McCord, who said he is his own toughest critic. The Eagles have two days of joint practices with the Browns this week and preseason games against Cleveland and the New York Jets ahead.

The goal is to make progress every day.

"Improving every single time I'm able to get out there," McCord said. "That's what I'm looking to do."

- Dave Spadaro

10:01 AM: The Eagles added to their roster earlier in the week, trading for cornerback Jakorian Bennett from the Raiders in exchange for defensive tackle Thomas Booker.

Bennett enters his third year in the NFL and takes the practice field for the first time as an Eagles on Saturday. Before the session, Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio discussed Bennett's potential role with the Birds.

"Watch a little bit of his tape last year with the Raiders, he's got some good speed, he's got some coverage ability," Fangio said.

Fangio added that Bennett could "possibly" compete for the starting cornerback spot in a battle that has included Kelee Ringo and Adoree' Jackson so far.

"Everybody's got the right to compete out here," Fangio said. "We need to get his feet under him, get our eyes on him and see what happens over the next few weeks." — Matt Ryan

Tuesday, August 5

12:55 PM: Before Tuesday's practice, Head Coach Nick Sirianni praised his team for their competitiveness during Training Camp. There have been intense battles and trash-talking all offseason, and quarterback Jalen Hurts likes what he sees.

"I think the team is in a great place from a competitive standpoint," Hurts said after practice. "Everyone else is striving and pushing each other every day. (Sirianni) puts us in those tough situations, in those situations where you have to make a play and figure it out.

"I think competitively and from a camaraderie standpoint, it builds confidence in one another when the guy next to you and guys on the other side of the ball (compete). It's always good to come out here and compete." – Matt Ryan

9:45 AM: As the Eagles prepare for Thursday night's preseason opener against Cincinnati, they also have a roster move in the works: On Tuesday at his pre-practice press conference, Head Coach Nick Sirianni said that the team had agreed to terms on a trade that brings cornerback Jakorian Bennett from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for defensive tackle Thomas Booker, who goes to the Raiders.

Both players must pass physical examinations before the trade is official. – Dave Spadaro

Monday, August 4

10:05 AM: Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio is not ready to crown a winner in the cornerback competition for the starting spot opposite of Quinyon Mitchell. Adoree' Jackson and Kelee Ringo have taken the lion's share of the first-team reps throughout the first two weeks of Training Camp, rotating on a day-by-day (sometimes period-by-period) basis.

"It's close," Fangio said on Monday before the start of a scheduled two-hour practice in full pads. "I think both of them are having a good camp. But it's close. I've been happy with both of them, we'll see."

Jackson, a nine-year veteran, has started 82 regular-season games in his career. Fangio added that Jackson has "had a good camp. He's competed well. I think he's focused with a good mindset. I like where he's at right now."

One young cornerback who could potentially throw a wrench into the mix is Eli Ricks, a third-year player out of Alabama who signed with the Eagles an an undrafted player in 2023. Ricks had a standout practice on Sunday and is building momentum heading into Thursday's preseason opener (vs. Bengals, 7:30 PM at Lincoln Financial Field, NBC10/SportsRadio 94WIP).

"He has made some plays. He needs to eliminate the negative ones, too. He's going to get a bunch of snaps in the preseason and hopefully that will show itself," Fangio said of Ricks. – Chris McPherson

8:00 AM: Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio meets the media at 9:40 AM Monday morning as the Eagles prepare for Thursday's preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lincoln Financial Field (7:30 PM, NBC10/SportsRadio 94WIP).

The player of the interior defensive line was critical to Fangio's No. 1 defense a year ago. Led by All-Pro Jalen Carter, who paced the entire defense in QB pressures (45), QB hits (16), and tackle for loss (12) last season, the group will have a different look following the departure of Milton Williams in free agency to New England.

"We ready," Carter said on Sunday. "We just really worry about staying together as a team, not trying to worry about last year. We know we lost a couple guys, but that's not gonna affect the way we treat each other."

Jordan Davis lost 26 pounds to prepare for a bigger role on the defense. Carter refers to Davis, the Eagles' top draft pick in 2022, as his big brother. Davis hosted Carter on his recruitment visit to Georgia and has provided advice on how to transition to the NFL.

"He's getting slim. He's running fast," Carter said of Davis. "I really think, I don't want to give him too much, but I think JD is faster than me. He moving fast."

Moro Ojomo was one of the league's most productive interior linemen on a per snap basis last season with 27 QB hits and pressures while on the field for 37 percent of the team's defensive plays. Carter saw an Ojomo highlight reel on X in the offseason and wasn't surprised to see how disruptive the third-year player was in action.

"I think this is the year he's going to prove it," Carter said. "All eyes are gonna be on him. He's going to get the one-on-one rushes where he's going to do what he did last year and it's just going to show."

Slowed down at the start of Training Camp by a shoulder injury, Carter is working his way back. Carter was challenged by Fangio entering last season to be ready to anchor the defense and the defensive tackle was on the field for 84 percent of the defensive snaps in the games he played (he was among the players who rested in the regular-season finale). When he was on the sidelines at the start of Training Camp, he would rally his teammates and sprint down the field with them after drills to keep sprits high.

"We all just got to feed off each other," Carter said. "In the game, they know when I'm locked in. If I make a big play, or anybody make a big play, we all just go celebrate each other." – Chris McPherson

Sunday, August 3

3:00 PM: Avery Williams came to the Eagles as an unrestricted free agent, a player who could add some punch to the offense as a running back/receiver and to the special teams on returns. In a crowded field of skill-position players, Williams wants to stand out. Preseason games are a great place to make that happen.

"Yeah, I'm looking forward to it," said Williams when asked about Thursday night and the preseason opener against Cincinnati (7:30 PM, Lincoln Financial Field, NBC10/SportsRadio 94WIP in Philadelphia). "The preseason is huge for everybody trying to make the roster. I'm no different."

Williams thinks his first Training Camp as an Eagle has gone "pretty well" as he is "working back into things." The real tests come in these preseason moments and in the two joint practices against Cleveland. The coaching staff and the personnel department, headed by Executive Vice President/General Manager Howie Roseman, of course, will make the final determination based on an entire body of work, but playing against other teams weighs heavily.

And Williams is ready to make his mark.

"Every role that I'm given, I'm ready to go and give it my best," he said. "I'm feeling pretty healthy right now and I'm ready to go.

"Thursday means a lot. First opportunity since last season (when he played with the Falcons) to put on the pads and play, so I'm always looking forward to that opportunity. I have a passion for the game and I want to get out there and do my best and put my best self out there." – Dave Spadaro

12:42 PM: Playing the center position in the NFL requires as much physical and mental acuity as any spot on the football field, something that rookie Drew Kendall understands very well. He is a cerebral, athletic young man whose father, Pete, played for 14 seasons as an offensive lineman in the league. Drew gets it.

He also gets that the proper way to approach the job is to take things day by day. Don't look ahead. Learn from the past.

"The competition is a lot better when you move up to the next level," said Kendall, a fifth-round draft pick from Boston College. "There is more in the offense and it's more involved. It's a combination of a lot of things and I'm diving into the playbook and making sure I really understand it all."

"There are new techniques that you're trying to learn from whatever you were taught before and there is implementing that and then there is also the fact that you are going up against guys who just better than what you've gone against before. Every day is a challenge, every day is a grind, but that's what I'm here for."

Kendall isn't looking down the road, but peeking around the corner as the Eagles open the preseason on Thursday night against Bengals (7:30 PM, Lincoln Financial Field, NBC10 Philadelphia/SportsRadio 94WIP).

It's a live game against another team and that is something players always relish in these grinding days of Training Camp.

"I'm excited. You know, it's going to be fun getting the chance to compete against other people and not your teammates," Kendall said. "Go out there, have fun, and try to get a win. Play your best to your ability." – Dave Spadaro

10:07 AM: This is game week, so for Offensive Coordinator Kevin Patullo, it represents the first time he will call the plays against an opponent, albeit in a preseason format (Thursday night vs. Bengals at Lincoln Financial Field, 7:30 PM, NBC10/SportsRadio 94WIP). No matter. It is a growth moment for Patullo, even as he has taken the reins of playcalling throughout the spring practices, the Organized Team Activities, the day of Mandatory Minicamp, and in this Training Camp.

"It will be fun," Patullo said on Sunday prior to practice. "Not much different. It's kind of how we've been doing it out here a lot of times. It will be different on Thursday just because we're trying to put the guys in position and do the best they can. We're not necessarily going to scheme it up, but we want to do the best we can and see how the operation is going. That's really what it's all about, to see how the operation is going. That's really what it's all about, is how the operation works when they come off the field, go on the field, make adjustments to go from there."

The truth is that the Eagles stress the players in many ways during the course of practice and force players to make decisions in high-tempo environments so that when they are in a game situation, they react naturally. That is the intent of practice. The Eagles are very direct with their practice approach and make sure to have a purpose with every period of the session.

As far as competition and roster spots, this is when it becomes real real. The Eagles have three preseason games as well as two joint practices against the Cleveland Browns, and those days and nights will factor heavily into a player's body of work as the decisions are made to reduce the roster to 53 players prior to the September 4 opener against Dallas. - Dave Spadaro

Friday, August 1

1:40 PM: Wide receiver Elijah Cooks said his goal this Training Camp is to make a play a day, and so far he has done just that.

Cooks, entering his third season in the NFL after spending most of the first two with the Jacksonville Jaguars, had a three-day stretch of making standout catches. On Friday, the former undrafted player hauled in a touchdown grab on a goal-to-go situation.

It has been an active summer for the 6-foot-4 Cooks, who excels at winning at the catch point.

"I've always looked at that as a strength," Cooks said on catching jump balls. "I used to play basketball, so like going up and getting them 50-50 balls is kind of just like my specialty, you feel me. That's what I've always loved to do. I did it in college, trying to transition into the league."

Cooks' best play of camp came when he rose over a defender for a terrific grab at the end of practice. Cooks was a big-time basketball player, even playing a bit at Nevada his freshman year, and that play-style is clear on the football field.

"You gotta go up there like you're getting a rebound," he said. "Really, 50-50 balls is just who wants it more, who wants the ball more, who wants to come down with it. I mean, I always want to come down with those. I look at them like 70-30 balls." – Matt Ryan

9:45 AM: Head Coach Nick Sirianni is under the weather and will not meet with reporters prior to practice. Coach Sirianni is working with the training staff to be on the field for today's fully-padded practice. After practice, the following players are set to meet with reporters: Sydney Brown, Elijah Cooks, Adoree' Jackson, Kyle McCord, Eli Ricks, Kelee Ringo, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and Ben VanSumeren. Practice is scheduled to end close to noon. It is cloudy and cool at the NovaCare Complex, a nice respite from the heat wave that's dominated the early portion of Training Camp. – Chris McPherson

5:00 AM: The Eagles are back in action before Saturday's off day.

Head Coach Nick Sirianni is scheduled to meet with the media at 9:40 AM on Friday before 10 AM practice. Fans can watch live on PhiladelphiaEagles.com, the team's app, or social media channels.

After practice, the following players are set to meet with reporters: Sydney Brown, Elijah Cooks, Adoree' Jackson, Kyle McCord, Eli Ricks, Kelee Ringo, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and Ben VanSumeren.

Thursday, July 31

1:23 PM: Darius Slay constantly got on Quinyon Mitchell for his lack of interceptions last season, and Mitchell has been working to improve that part of his game entering Year 2.

Mitchell didn't have an interception all regular season, but he had two in the playoffs. Early in Training Camp, he has had sticky coverage and a pick off Jalen Hurts, a play Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio said he probably wouldn't make last season.

"I've been working this offseason on them (ball skills) every day before we go out of practice, I do something with [Director of Player Performance and Sports Science/Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Fernando Noriega]. Just something that I've been really just trying to work on each and every day."

Mitchell said he has been doing an exercise where he tracks the ball on a computer screen and another where three different colored balls are thrown into the air and he has to catch a specific one.

It's early in Training Camp, but he said he can feel a difference.

9:52 AM: In addition to making the dynamic kickoff permanent, NFL owners voted in the spring to move touchbacks that reach the end zone on the fly to the 35-yard line instead of the 30-yard line, a 5-yard difference from the trial run in 2024. Kickoffs were returned 32.8 percent of the time last season, according to the NFL, an 11 percent increase from the previous year.

What will be the impact of the rule change?

Special Teams Coordinator Michael Clay said on Thursday morning that there are "probably going to be a lot more returns. Five yards makes a difference for the defense."

NFL fans will get their first look at the tweak to the dynamic kickoff on Thursday night in the Hall of Fame Game, marking the opening of a weekend that will feature the induction of former Eagles cornerback Eric Allen in Canton, Ohio.

Clay said that the Eagles will work on all aspects of the strategy throughout Training Camp and the preseason. – Chris McPherson

8:46 AM: The Eagles return to action on Thursday after Wednesday's walk thru.

Special Teams Coordinator Michael Clay is scheduled to meet with the media at 9:40 AM before 10 AM practice. Fans can watch live on PhiladelphiaEagles.com, the team's app, or social media channels.

After practice, the following players are set to meet with reporters: Dallas Goedert, Jake Elliott, Quinyon Mitchell, Braden Mann, Charley Hughlett, Smael Mondon, Matt Pryor and Elijah Cooks. – Matt Ryan

Wednesday, July 30

1:34 PM: Adoree' Jackson didn't get an up close look at Quinyon Mitchell until this offseason, but he saw something special when watching film last year.

Jackson was with the New York Giants in 2024 and remembers Mitchell standing out on tape. He had to say something to his teammates.

"I was telling the guys in New York like, 'Man, I ain't really seen a rookie hoop like this, you know what I mean? He's doing his thing.' They looked at me crazy, and I'm like, 'Alright, whatever.'"

Now, Jackson and Mitchell are teammates, with Jackson competing for a starting role alongside the runner-up for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Jackson, a former first-round pick himself, has been just as impressed with Mitchell's work ethic and personality since getting to know him this offseason.

"Actually to meet him, see how mild-mannered he is, how cool he is, humble, hard worker, very smart, just a good dude," Jackson said. "I think, regardless of what everyone does on this field, the thing that I appreciate most is that everybody is a good person, and they welcome me with open arms, and just show me love, like I was a long distant cousin at the family reunion." – Matt Ryan

Tuesday, July 29

12:10 PM: Tuesday's practice was moved up by an hour due to heat, but the session was still the hottest of Training Camp with temperatures in the 90s and the humidity making it feel like it was in triple digits.

The Eagles were in full pads for the first time this offseason, and the heat didn't stop them from getting to work in South Philly. After practice, Jalen Hurts said that the back-to-back days of practicing in extreme temperatures provide a good opportunity to see where the group stands.

"I think fatigue makes cowards of us all," Hurts said. "These last two days have been very challenging from a heat standpoint, and so everybody collectively as a group has continued to push through those things. Control what you can. I think this is a good test and measure of where we are right now and where we desire to go.

"We ran the ball well. Defense played very well. Connected on some in the pass game and got a finish on some. Ultimately, it's great competition, and that's what it's about in Training Camp. You talk about building that foundation for a team and establishing the right temperament of a team, and we're coming out here competing every day. Getting good competition, good work." – Matt Ryan

9:03 AM: "It's not hot today. It's a mindset."

Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio knows that the Eagles will battle through some hot and humid weather early in the season and if a day like Tuesday, when it's 86 degrees with 66 percent humidity at the start of practice, is going to affect the players, then they'll be in for a rude awakening come September when the games count in the standings.

Fangio, who was surprised at his press conference with a Phillies jersey of newly enshrined Hall of Famer Dick Allen – his favorite player growing up, offered updates on several players.

At cornerback, Quinyon Mitchell made one of the highlight plays Monday with an interception of a pass intended for A.J. Brown. Fangio praised Mitchell's work ethic, saying that he work he has put in to improve his ball skills is showing up, as that was likely a play he wouldn't have made a year ago. Opposite Mitchell, Adoree' Jackson has mixed in with the first-team unit and Fangio knows it's time for the ninth-year veteran to show what he can or can't do. Fangio acknowledged that Jackson had a good practice on Monday.

Rookie Jihaad Campbell has been on the field since the start of Training Camp after being limited in the spring due to a shoulder injury. Fangio noted that he's seeing small improvements each day and that if Campbell continues in that trajectory, he will become the player the Eagles envisioned when they selected him 31st overall. – Chris McPherson

6:18 AM: The Eagles will be early birds on Tuesday. Due to the heat in Philadelphia, the team has moved up the start of practice one hour to 9 AM. Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio will discuss the development of the defense at a press conference set to start at 8:40 AM prior to the start of practice. Fans can watch live on PhiladelphiaEagles.com, the team's app, or social media channels.

After the Eagles donned shoulder pads for the first time in Training Camp on Monday, the team is expected to be in full pads today. Following practice at around 10:45 AM, the following players are scheduled to meet with the media: Jalen Hurts, Harrison Bryant, Kylen Granson, Tanner McKee, Mac McWilliams, Ty Robinson, and Will Shipley.

If you missed any of Monday's action ...

• Eagles Insider Dave Spadaro looks at the intangibles that make Cam Jurgens such a valuable part of the offensive line.
• A Super Bowl Champion returned to the sidelines and the latest round of a great one-on-one battle unfolded at practice.
• Future Hall of Fame tackle Lane Johnson joined an exclusive club.
• Cooper DeJean was the 40th overall draft pick in 2024, but he's already considered one of the NFL's Top 100 players. – Chris McPherson

Monday, July 28

5:20 PM: Just before the start of Training Camp, edge rusher Joshua Uche switched jersey numbers, going from 13 to 0.

When asked why the change, Uche started with how he wanted to give No. 13 to teammate Azeez Ojulari, who wore the number at the University of Georgia.

But symbolically, the number represents a restart for Uche, who signed a one-year deal with the Eagles in free agency.

"You got to start at ground zero, right?" Uche said. "I've been at the top of my pass-rushing game in my third year, but you got to start from ground zero and work your way back."

In that third year, Uche – a former second-round pick of the Patriots in 2020 – posted 11.5 sacks, 14 QB hits, and 34 QB pressures in just 374 defensive snaps. Last season, Uche opened the season with New England and was traded to Kansas City midway through the year. He was indeed on the opposing sideline for Super Bowl LIX.

When Uche deliberated where to sign in free agency, he discussed the fit in Philly with Zack Baun, whom he had trained with in previous offseasons.

"I could just see it in his eyes what Philly meant to him," Uche said. "That energy, I fed off of that instantly. I felt it. From there, I felt like this was the best place to give me that chance to capitalize on what I could do."

Baun parlayed a one-year, prove-it deal into a monster three-year contract this past offseason. Uche, who will turn just 27 in September, looks to do the same.

"It shows what kind of organization this is," Uche said. "They're able to bring guys in, give them a chance, build around them, help them fulfill their potential, and turn them into something beautiful, a beautiful product. I think it just says a lot about the organization, says a lot about the players, says a lot about the coaching. It's well-rounded."

Uche arrives as the edge rusher position is in transition. Gone are stalwarts like Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat. Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt are on the rise. But the need for veteran depth is there.

Enter Uche.

"It just comes down to one day at a time, one step at a time, building that relationship with the coaches and just put my best foot forward, building off each and every day and just making sure I'm just obsessed with the playbook," Uche said.

Uche showcased the speed off the edge in Monday's practice, blowing past the right tackle for a would-be sack of the quarterback.

"Get-off. Get-off is the most important thing. I learned that from (Commanders outside linebacker) Von Miller," Uche said. "That was a guy I studied a lot. If you have a good get-off, that's half the battle."

Uche may have started at ground zero, but he is quickly finding his foundation in Philly, looking to launch toward opposing quarterbacks this fall. – Chris McPherson

3:20 PM: After a breakout 2024 season during which tight end Grant Calcaterra caught 24 passes for 298 yards and a touchdown in 766 offensive snaps – all numbers the best in Calcaterra's three seasons – he is looking to continue his role as a dual-threat player in the Philadelphia offense.

The vision for the Eagles is that Calcaterra teams with Dallas Goedert as the Eagles mix and match their offensive personnel and create favorable matchups.

Calcaterra is all for it after a campaign that gave him a boost in every way.

"It definitely gave me some confidence," Calcaterra said. "I've always felt that I'm a good tight end, becoming more of a complete tight end. So, I'm just looking to improve and watch the film from last year and continue to look for ways to get better."

What is a complete tight end in Calcaterra's mind?

"A threat in the run game and a threat in the pass game," Calcaterra said. "There are not too many two-way, complete tight ends in this league anymore. I think there are a lot of pass catchers and there are a lot of run blockers and I think when you can be really good at both, that's when you become a real threat."

It is early in the tenure of new offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo's offense, and Calcaterra and the rest of the players are paying attention to the differences, the stamp that Patullo is putting into the scheme.

"I think one of the biggest things we're doing now is using motion, getting guys in different places and trying to marry things off each other, to kind of make everything look similar and keep the defense on their toes," said Calcaterra, who joined the Eagles as a sixth-round draft pick in 2022. – Dave Spadaro

12:54 PM: Tyler Steen is entering his third season with Philadelphia, and he has received all of the first-team reps at right guard as he competes for the starting role.

Steen was competing for the starting spot last season, but a Training Camp injury sidelined him and Mekhi Becton earned the job. Now, Steen is fully healthy as he battles with players like Kenyon Green, Matt Pryor, and others to start between Cam Jurgens and Lane Johnson.

"I think whenever you're in a competition, the mindset's always the same," Steen said following Monday's practice. "You always want to go out there and put your best foot forward. You don't really want to focus on the outside things. You just want to focus on doing your job to the best of your ability."

Steen said this offseason he has done much of the same, but he focused on his body a bit more. That included an increase in mobility work, something he sees guys like Johnson doing constantly.

Steen made three starts last season (including the NFC Championship Game) and played in every contest. He has a chance to solidify his role over the next few weeks, and he is doing so surrounded by the best offensive line in the NFL.

"It helps so much because those guys have set such a high bar for the room and for the other guys in the room, I mean, it doesn't get better than them," Steen said. "They're the top of the league at what they do. Setting that bar for everybody else in the room to strive for, I think it allows everybody to have something to push for and continue to work towards and strive towards." – Matt Ryan

10:15 AM: The news on Monday morning: Defensive tackle Jalen Carter "will be out there today" said Head Coach Nick Sirianni, for the first time in this Training Camp. That's great to hear for Carter, who had been on the sidelines for the first week of practices with a shoulder injury.

Also, right guard Tyler Steen "is doing a good job there," said Sirianni, who added that he is happy with the competition at the position, among other spots. Things are far from settled for the Eagles, who have yet to wear full pads in this camp.

Certainly, though, the heat is on at Eagles Training Camp – literally. Morning temperatures on Monday were in the high 80s, with higher temperatures coming on Tuesday, and the Philadelphia humidity is way, way up there.

And that is just fine with Sirianni.

"It's good for us," Sirianni said. "We're always cautious in trying to keep the players safe in these conditions, so that's where their preparation with their hydration and different things like that and their conditioning is going to come into play. But this is good for us to practice in this heat. We're going to play in this heat. Everything we want to do as a football team, as far as how we play with physical toughness, mental toughness, relentless effort, great detail, together, it all starts with being in great shape. Every day there is a conditioning aspect to it. Just turns it up a little bit as the heat goes." – Dave Spadaro

5:00 AM: Week 2 of Eagles Training Camp is here!

If you missed it, here's our notebook from Saturday's practice along with Dave Spadaro's column on Jihaad Campbell.

The Eagles return to the practice field on Monday after Sunday's off day, and before the session, Head Coach Nick Sirianni is scheduled to speak with the media at 9:40 AM (which can be seen live on PhiladelphiaEagles.com and our social media channels). After practice, the following players are set to meet with reporters: Grant Calcaterra, Jahan Dotson, Cam Jurgens, Moro Ojomo, Azeez Ojulari, Tyler Steen, and Joshua Uche.

Sunday, July 27

11:55 AM: Two weeks after winning the Super Bowl in a dream-come-true rookie season – drafted by the team that his father starred for, contributing as a rookie, winning a World Championship – Jeremiah Trotter Jr. was right back at it preparing for season No. 2.

This is the way it is for Trotter Jr., a student of the game who will not be outworked. He is constantly in his playbook, always doing the right things, and rarely, if ever, making a mental mistake on the field.

His proper preparation has produced this moment: A chance to earn substantial playing time at one of the inside linebacker positions in Vic Fangio's defense.

"I've been through the Training Camp, I've been through the season, and I know how it's supposed to look and the type of routine you have to get into," Trotter Jr. said. "I thank God for experiencing that so I can get ready for Year 2."

The defense, said Trotter Jr., is coming along fast early in Training Camp. Having already been deep into the Vic Fangio scheme makes it easier the second time around. Now it's a matter of honing things, getting the timing right, and making adjustments.

And taking a defense that was No. 1 in the NFL a year ago and making it better.

"We have a lot of players who have been in the system and that helps," Trotter Jr. said. "I think we're all excited about what we have and how things are coming along. For me, it is a matter of being prepared every day and improving my game and, if I do that, I'm going to be pleased with where I'm at." – Dave Spadaro

8:25 AM: This is an open battle and that suits Sydney Brown just fine. The Eagles are rotating a handful of players through the safety position next to Reed Blankenship in the early days of Training Camp and Brown, the third-year player who has been so dynamic on special teams in his first two seasons – is one of those guys.

Perfect.

"I love the competition," he said. "That's what I'm here for and that's what this league is all about. It's good for all of us."

A third-round draft pick in 2023, Brown enjoyed a terrific rookie season until tearing his ACL in his knee after playing 335 defensive snaps. Brown missed the first month-plus of the 2024 campaign before joining the active roster and did most of his damage as a gunner on special teams – with five total tackles as well as forcing a big fumble early against Jacksonville that led to a touchdown – and then picked off a pass in the regular-season finale against the Giants to seal that victory.

With C.J. Gardner-Johnson traded, the Eagles have an opening. Brown is putting his best foot forward.

"No different than last year or as I did as a rookie," Brown said. "Be better than I was the day before. Building each and every day. Taking advantage of my opportunities and reps and I think that's all I can do. I'm a fierce competitor. I embrace the competition and I just love our room. I love the guys and I love this team and I think we are miles ahead of where we were last year. I think I'm miles ahead of where I was last year up to this point."

Being fully healthy has helped Brown build. He continues to put it all in place, brick by brick.

"I think I'm playing really good football right now and I am staying humble about it," he said. "I just want to get better and better every day and I think I'm doing that." – Dave Spadaro

Saturday, July 26

3:30 PM: This was the question posed to edge player Jalyx Hunt after Saturday's practice at the NovaCare Complex: Are you a power rusher or a speed rusher? What do you think you're best at?

Hunt didn't hesitate.

"That's what I'm figuring out right now," he said. "That's what camp is all about, finding out what you want to do during the season, honing in your skills. It's the third day, so I'm doing everything I can against Jordan Mailata, Lane (Johnson), (Kendall) Lamm, anybody who wants to step out there and can give me different sets and different moves."

Hunt is on the rise, there is no question about it. A third-round draft pick from Houston Christian in 2024, Hunt made great progress as a rookie and saved his best football for the postseason. Now he has a chance to make a large leap forward with earned playing time and he intends to do just that.

The second time around makes a huge difference.

"There is always Glory to God being out here," he said. "I don't take things for granted. This is something I haven't able to experience a whole lot in my life, so just being surrounded by players of this caliber who are also great people is a very humbling experience. Every time I come out here – I came out here before camp and it was just me and I called my homeboys back home and Facetimed them and said, 'Thank you,' to everyone, my family, who helped me get here.

"I'm comfortable being here and it's something I want to get used to. I want to be here a long, long time and I definitely feel like I belong here. It's amazing being here." – Dave Spadaro

3:12 PM: A year away from the game for A.J. Dillon meant a year away from the locker room, the guys, the competition, the thrill of a game day or night. It meant that he had to think long and hard about his next step after playing for four seasons with the Green Bay Packers before stepping away and recovering from a neck injury.

Should I play or should I go?

For Dillon, the first step was to get healthy, which he did. Then it was to find the right fit, which he thinks he has found as an Eagle. Dillon joined the team in the free agency period, signing a one-year contract and he is here to lend some size – he is a massive 6-foot, 247-pounder – power, experience and talent to the Eagles' offensive backfield.

In his four seasons with Green Bay, Dillon averaged 4.1 yards per carry with 16 touchdowns scored and 2,428 yards gained on 597 carries. Dillon also contributed 86 receptions in those four seasons, giving the Packers a multi-purpose option on offense.

"I've been playing football my whole life since I was 7, 8 years old. I've been out here 20 years," he said, "and to get back out here is always fun. It was great to be get out here during OTA's (Organized Team Activities), get used to the guys, get used to the playoff, the offense a little bit and that is what this whole period is for – to assimilate myself within this offense, figure out exactly how I can help a Super Bowl team be even better and what I can bring to the table.

"I missed the competition. I know a lot of guys who play sports and then they retire they say that golf is the only thing that brings me that sense of competition nowadays. Well, I'm not good at golf, so I needed to get back to football."

He is here and provides a loaded backfield – Saquon Barkley, Will Shipley, among others – even more depth. – Dave Spadaro

2:03 PM: Every snap on defense thus far in Training Camp has been a challenge for cornerback Kelee Ringo. He's seeing the best of the best each time – A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith – and the battles have been noteworthy in the first week.

For Ringo, competing for playing time – a starting job, yes – is where he wants to be in his third Eagles season. He has made strong contributing both on defense and on special teams in each of his first two years, but this time there is an understanding that a starting job is open.

And Ringo is putting his best game out there.

"Coming out here and being the best version of myself," Ringo said. "You know not every play is going to go your way – and a couple of plays it hasn't – but continue to believe in yourself and stay in your foundation. I come out here and prepare like no other. I definitely believe that I'm deserving.

"Light years ahead of where I was both mentally and physically. I feel like the game can definitely slow down when you're mentally there and that has definitely helped me a lot."

This is a battle – with Ringo and Adoree' Jackson and Eli Ricks and others – opposite Quinyon Mitchell that could change throughout the course of the season. The Eagles are fortunate to have players like Ringo – a fourth-round draft pick in 2023 who played 199 defensive snaps that season and then 119 last year who also has been a dominating gunner on kick coverage – to deepen the competition.

"All I can do is prepare myself and play my best football," Ringo said. "Technique is super important that is what I'm focused on and I'm happy with where I'm at. I have a lot of work to do and I'm happy to do that."

- Dave Spadaro

10:05 AM: The day-to-day mechanics haven't changed much at all for Kevin Patullo, in his fifth season with the Eagles and his first as the team's offensive coordinator, and that has made the transition to his new position much easier.

He knows how to work the room. He knows how important it is to have touch points with the various positional players, to create and enhance relationships. He is deep into the operation, always has been.

The difference now, of course, is that this is his offense. And he plans to keep the identity largely the same as the one that helped the Eagles win Super Bowl LIX in the 2024 season.

"I think this is still the Eagles' offense. That won't change," Patullo said on Saturday morning before practice. "It starts with the run game up front and goes from there. And obviously, you like to try new things here and there and we'll see how that goes throughout Training Camp and where that leads us to."

Quarterback Jalen Hurts is the man at the controls, and Patullo sees a quarterback who continues to evolve and shape his game. The team has only been at it for a few days in camp, but Patullo is pleased with what he is seeing from QB1.

"I think Jalen has done a really good job of just kind of understanding everything now," Patullo said. "He's becoming a really complete player in the pass game. He puts a lot of work into it. His quarterback reads have been tremendous in terms of understanding what the defense is doing, what we're trying to do, how to attack them, and he takes a lot of pride in it, right? He really over the years has taken a lot of pride in not turning the ball over, completing balls, understanding how to stay on schedule and keep us moving in the right direction."

- Dave Spadaro

5:00 AM: After Friday's walk-through, Saturday's Military Appreciation Day practice will have media in attendance and thus plenty of updates from PhiladelphiaEagles.com.

Here's our recap of Thursday’s practice along with Eagles Insider Dave Spadaro’s column on Cooper DeJean.

Offensive Coordinator Kevin Patullo is scheduled to meet with the media on Saturday around 9:40 AM (which can be seen live on PhiladelphiaEagles.com and our social media channels). Practice will start at 10 AM and after the session, the following players are scheduled to speak with the media: Sydney Brown, Jihaad Campbell, Jalyx Hunt, Adoree' Jackson, Andrew Mukuba, Kelee Ringo, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

Friday, July 25

5:38 PM: Howie Roseman told reporters this week that the franchise's mantra when it comes to player development is draft, develop, and sign – reward players for representing the team the right way.

Jordan Davis took a big step toward that third pillar in the offseason when the team opted to utilize the fifth-year option on the 2022 first-round pick. The massive defensive tackle elevated his game in the playoffs, registering a PFF grade of 80 or more in three of the four postseason contests, including the Super Bowl. The numbers match as he produced two sacks, two tackles for loss, four QB hits and pressures, and a pass deflection in the run to the Super Bowl.

A big key was Davis shedding weight last season. Now, his confidence is brimming. He took the podium for a press conference after practice on Thursday and asked if everyone wanted to see his svelte physique. He's lost 26 pounds, reporting for Training Camp at 330 – the lightest he's been since a sophomore at Georgia.

"My role is bigger. What's expected of me is greater. Obviously, you have to change and adapt," Davis said. "I'm just glad I'm at this place right now and I can hit the ground running.

"I just want to be the best for the team and, not only for the team, but for my brothers."

Davis played 37 percent of the snaps last season, but the team wants him on the field more in 2025. And to do that, Davis has to affect the quarterback as well as anchor against the run by putting his rare size and athletic profile – he earned a perfect 10 on the Relative Athletic Score at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine – into action.

"I don't want to be a one-trick pony," Davis said.

On the second play of team drills Wednesday, Davis' get-off allowed him to muddy the pocket, forcing quarterback Jalen Hurts to hold the ball and go in another direction.

Davis may be leaner, but he "felt like I got stronger in the offseason. That was a big emphasis." He says he's got greater focus, more energy, and it takes longer for the heat to affect him.

"It's been a long time coming," he added. "Not just for football, but for life. I wanted to make these changes because they're absolutely necessary." – Chris McPherson

Thursday, July 24

5:02 PM: Suddenly, Nolan Smith is the veteran Eagle in the edge room. The retirement of Brandon Graham along with the departures of Josh Sweat and Bryce Huff have the Eagles heading into the season with an extremely young (from an Eagles experience standpoint) group of edge players.

Smith is in his third season. He's the longest-tenured Eagle in the room.

"As a young group, we're humble and hungry," Smith said. "Just go out here and work every day. I'm just trying to lead by example and be a testament to that. Just go out there and work. Let's get after it. Keep my head down and keep grinding."

A first-round draft pick in 2023, Smith blossomed in his second season. He recorded 6.5 quarterback sacks during the regular season and then set a franchise record with another four sacks in the postseason.

The quest is to take another step forward in Year 3 and that is what Smith, who worked hard to recover from a torn triceps suffered in the Super Bowl LIX win over Kansas City, has in mind.

"Working with Coach Wash (Jeremiah Washburn, defensive ends/outside linebackers coach) and working against Lane (Johnson, right tackle), he gets me better every day," Smith said. "Every day I see a different look, see something new. He's a Hall of Fame tackle, so why wouldn't I take this opportunity?"

With his excellent get-off and bend to the quarterback, Smith is a natural talent, but it's the hard work he has put in that has made the difference. The results started coming last season. There is every reason to expect more of the same in 2025.

"If it happens, it happens," he said. "It's all in God's plan. I can't plan the future. I'm just trying to do my part and I'm blessed with whatever God gives me." – Dave Spadaro

12:42 PM: The Eagles have an open starting spot at right guard, and through the first two days of Training Camp, Tyler Steen has taken all of the first-team reps.

Steen was a third-round pick in 2023 and has played a reserve role for most of the past two seasons, but he has made some spot starts in his career. Right guard is the only offensive starting role up for grabs, and left guard Landon Dickerson is seeing promising things from Steen.

"I think Steen's doing a tremendous job," Dickerson said. "As he's gotten more comfortable, he's had a couple of years, some starts, some games, I think he's getting more comfortable now in that position. Obviously, the more you practice, the more you feel comfortable, the better you get."

– Matt Ryan

10:19 AM: Vic Fangio is going through the process, so if you are looking for the "leaders" at positional battles right now, he's just not there. It's Day 2. Training Camp continues, and so does Fangio's experimenting with players.

Cooper DeJean? He's the nickel cornerback who was so great last season, but he's also getting reps at safety and will likely see some reps as an outside cornerback, too. Jihaad Campbell. The first-round draft pick is on the field and that's great, but beyond that, let's see how he develops. Same with No. 2 pick Andrew Mukuba at safety and so on and so forth.

Slow down with the hot takes. Fangio likes the cooler approach.

"We have a lot of battles going on for starting jobs in the different packages," Fangio said. "We've got some good players battling for it and it's going to be interesting. If you ask me to predict who is winning those jobs right now, it's a guess. Hopefully we will get them enough practice time and rep time that it will sort itself out."

With defensive tackle Jordan Davis, in his best shape ever, Fangio points out that Davis lost a lot of his weight last season when he came on in a big way in the final "6, 7, 8 games last year. He was down then, too. Wasn't down as much as he is now, but close," Fangio said. "Nothing new."

The shorter offseason has no impact, says Fangio, who pointed out that New England through the 2000s and Kansas City of late has repeatedly advanced deep into seasons – conference championships and Super Bowls.

This is lab time for Fangio, who is the master at putting the pieces of the puzzle together. There are no promises. No predictions. Just hard for a defense that last season was No. 1 in the NFL and now has competition across the board for jobs. – Dave Spadaro

5:00 AM: Day 1 of Training Camp is in the books!

For a recap of what happened on the field, read our notebook here. Plus, check out Dave Spadaro's column on the Eagles knowing they have to "prove it all over again."

The schedule for Thursday is as follows: Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio will meet with the media at 9:40 AM (which can be seen live on PhiladelphiaEagles.com and our social media channels), and practice starts at 10 AM. Following practice, several Eagles players are scheduled to meet the media around 11:30 AM, including Reed Blankenship, Jordan Davis, Cooper DeJean, Landon Dickerson, Dallas Goedert, Quinyon Mitchell and Nolan Smith. – Matt Ryan

5:12 PM: His resume says it all: five times an All-Pro player. Six times a Pro Bowl selection. Twice a Super Bowl winner and three Super Bowl appearances in his incredible 12 seasons on the field. But for Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson, there is a long way to go before he thinks about the ultimate individual honor.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame.

"Got a ways to go, man," Johnson said. "That stuff is post-playing career, so that's something I'll think about more when my time is done. I guess when you're in it, you're so busy, pre-occupied with attacking each day and each season. You don't get a whole lot of time to reflect."I'm just going to keep pushing and see where it goes."

Running back Saquon Barkley nodded his head when Johnson was asked about his reaction to others talking about him as a Pro Football Hall of Famer, leaving no doubt that anyone who has been on the field with Johnson understands his greatness.He is great and playing the best football of his career.

"As he mentioned, he's still got some more to go," Barkley said, "but that's Lane Johnson, definitely a Hall of Famer. First ballot. For me, to be able to be on this team, to be able to play with him and see how he prepares every day, I understand why he's been so successful and continues to play at such a high level."

The Pro Football Hall of Fame? It's out there for Johnson. Everyone sees what he is doing on the football field, the success he is having. But for Johnson, the goal is to continue to prepare the way he always prepares and play at a star level for a long, long time. – Dave Spadaro

3:34 PM: Second-year man Jalyx Hunt is expected to make a big leap as an edge player in this defense, and offensive tackle Jordan Mailata has seen enough to label Hunt as more than just a "promising" talent.

He has a chance, Mailata says, to be a lot more.

"Awww man, he's going to be special. He's going to be special, man," said Mailata, who practiced against Hunt all of the 2024 season after the Eagles made Hunt a third-round draft pick from Houston Christian (the first-ever NFL Draft pick from that school). "His burst... he has tendencies like Micah (Parsons, Dallas Cowboys star), just to be able to cut on a dime like that. Man, I'm so proud of that guy, the way he works.

"I'm going from Josh Sweat (former Eagle now with Arizona) to Jalyx, it's crazy. I was just like, 'Howie, give me a break for one year, jeez. Jalyx, he's gonna be a star, man. And I'm glad now I get to go up against him because I know that if he's giving me hell, he's gonna give everyone else hell."

Hunt came on in his rookie season – recording 1.5 quarterback sacks, 17 total tackles, and nine quarterback pressures in 241 defensive snaps during the regular season and then stepping up with another 1.5 quarterback sacks, nine total tackles, and eight quarterback pressures in the four postseason games (103 defensive snaps). – Dave Spadaro

1:13 PM: One year ago, new Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio was implementing his defense in his first Training Camp in Philly, but now the foundation has been set. One of the keys of Philadelphia's top-ranked defense in 2024 was Zack Baun, who burst onto the scene with an All-Pro season.

With a year playing for Fangio under his belt, Baun sees a big difference in the unit to start this Training Camp.

"I like the way we're looking. I feel like we're far ahead of where we were at this time last year," Baun said after Wednesday's practice. "It's looking good. Obviously, some things to improve on and create a new identity as a defense, but I like where we're at." – Matt Ryan

9:57 AM: With linebacker Nakobe Dean starting Training Camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list as he recovers from his knee surgery, the Eagles are looking at some new faces at the linebacker position, including first-round draft pick Jihaad Campbell, who is active and at practice on Wednesday.

"I'm excited about that entire room," Head Coach Nick Sirianni said. "It will be fun to get out there and compete. That's what Training Camp is, it's competition, competing every day. That's what the season is. This is great preparation for the season, to get ready to play each game.

"Really excited about that room. We've got some guys back for their second and third year and we also have some young guys that we're excited to see. I know Bobby King (linebackers coach) and Ronnell (Willians, assistant linebackers coach) will do a great job. Obviously, the linebacker position is big on special teams as well and we'll see that and see how these guys develop. That's our job. Howie (Roseman, Executive Vice President/General Manager) gets us great players. You can't be great without great players, that's for sure. Our (coaches) job is to develop them to become even better players through their fundamentals, through their awareness, whether it's offense or defense, their situational awareness. So, that's what this time is for."

Sirianni added that Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio would be "all over" the linebackers, his specialty.

Campbell, the 31st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, had a "great" summer, said Sirianni, and took part in the first day of Training Camp practice.

As for Dean, who suffered a torn patellar tendon late in the 2024 season, the Eagles say he is making excellent progress in his recovery.

"He's doing a great job with his rehab," Roseman said. "We can't wait to get him back." – Dave Spadaro

5:00 AM: Training Camp 2025 officially opened on Tuesday as the players reported to the NovaCare Complex and finished everything they needed to finish before practice begins today at 10 AM. Any leftover physical work and paperwork was done, the players had their Media Day shoots to prepare for in-stadium visuals and television introductions and all of the "hype" surrounding 2025, and also had the mandatory conditioning tests on the field.

Meetings were held, T's were crossed and I's were dotted and now it is time to see how the roster comes together.

The schedule today is as follows: Executive Vice President/General Manager Howie Roseman and Head Coach Nick Sirianni hold their initial Training Camp press conference at 9:30 AM (which can be seen live on PhiladelphiaEagles.com and our social media channels), and the first practice starts at 10 AM and will run until approximately 11:15 AM. Following the first practice, several Eagles players are scheduled to meet the media, including Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, Zack Baun, A.J. Brown, Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata, and DeVonta Smith.

It's hard to believe this, but it's true: The team has its first preseason game on August 7 against the visiting Cincinnati Bengals, and if you do the math, it's just over two weeks away!!

Welcome to the 2025 Philadelphia Eagles season! There is nothing slow about the first steps here. The Eagles are racing full steam into the campaign ahead! – Dave Spadaro