The reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles held their one and only mandatory minicamp practice on Tuesday afternoon and I was at the NovaCare Complex to watch the action unfold. Here’s what I saw!
DID NOT PARTICIPATE — Jalen Carter, Cam Jurgens, Avery Williams, Elijah Cooks, Marcus Tate
LIMITED PARTICIPATION — Jihaad Campbell, Zack Baun, Myles Hinton, Nolan Smith
For the first time in a media-attended practice, Campbell participated in position drills (and those only). Vic Fangio previously said the 2025 first-round pick won’t be fully back until August but this is still a step in the right direction. Campbell was working with the off-ball linebackers, as expected.
Baun didn’t participate in team drills. After practice, he said he sat out due to “overall general soreness.”
Hinton left practice early to be evaluated in the medical tent. The rookie then walked into the team facility with a trainer and did not return.
JALEN HURTS UPDATE: The reigning Super Bowl MVP had another good practice. Hurts hit DeVonta Smith down the left sideline (with Smael Mondon Jr. trailing) for a touchdown in 7-on-7. He also connected with a crossing Terrace Marshall, who seemed to catch Cooper DeJean napping, in stride on a slant for a catch-and-run score. All told, it was a good spring for Hurts. Despite the fact he’s adjusting to yet another new play-caller, he looked comfortable and decisive. The ball rarely hit the ground and he didn’t come close to throwing an interception. He also avoided taking “sacks” at a high rate. How much should be made of Hurts looking good? Hard to say for sure but it beats the alternative. For historical context, Hurts had a good spring in 2022 but was less sharp in 2023 and 2024.
POSITION BATTLE UPDATE — CORNERBACK: Kelee Ringo broke up a Tanner McKee throw to Danny Gray on a comeback. Then he had a leaping breakup on a McKee jump ball throw to Terrace Marshall. Not the best pass but still a good job by Ringo. Ringo was first up at right cornerback with the Eagles’ first-team defense in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11. He did still rotate with Adoree’ Jackson.
POSITION BATTLE UPDATE — SAFETY: Sydney Brown was once again the first first-team safety, although Drew Mukuba rotated in with the starting defense. Brown stumbled to allow a catch to Dallas Goedert in 7-on-7. He also allowed a catch to Harrison Bryant. Vic Fangio notably mentioned that Tristin McCollum is in the mix with Brown and Mukuba for a starting spot … but Andre’ Sam has seemingly seen more first-team reps than McCollum has taken. Don’t sleep on Sam.
POSITION BATTLE UPDATE — WIDE RECEIVER: Don’t be surprised if Danny Gray makes the roster. He has some juice. Gray was able to run away from nearby defenders after making a catch over the middle in traffic. He also made a crucial catch against tight coverage in a situational scenario towards the end of practice. Terrace Marshall was also active on Tuesday and even earned a shoutout from Hurts after practice. Undrafted rookie Darius Cooper has caught my attention as a practice squad consideration. Ainias Smith had two nice catches today but it was otherwise a relatively quiet spring for the second-year player. Johnny Wilson, who missed at least the media-attended OTA practices, wasn’t very active on Tuesday.
POSITION BATTLE UPDATE — LINEBACKER: Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Smael Mondon Jr. were the first-team linebackers with Baun, Campbell, and Nakobe Dean all not practicing. Good opportunity for the young guys to soak up some reps against high quality competition.
POSITION BATTLE UPDATE — RIGHT GUARD: Tyler Steen is still the top right guard. No rotation there.
POSITION BATTLE UPDATE — BACKUP CENTER: Brett Toth has been the first-team center with Jurgens not practicing. The Eagles really need to stop trying to make that work because he simply can’t snap. Toth had multiple low shotgun snaps on Tuesday that ruined reps for the offense. And it’s not like this is a new issue! Toth previously struggled like this in 2023 … to the point where the Eagles re-signed Josh Andrews just to have a second-team center who could snap the ball in practice. Toth’s struggles could open the door for rookie Drew Kendall to be on the rise. It’s also worth noting that Trevor Keegan was seen playing center in position drills (hat tip to Zach Berman).
POSITION BATTLE UPDATE — QB3: Dorian Thompson-Robinson was once again up first as the third quarterback but Kyle McCord outperformed him. The rookie quarterback made an eye-opening throw with a dart to a tightly covered Nick Muse in traffic for a touchdown. McCord had two more completions to Muse over the middle.
POSITION BATTLE UPDATE — TE3: Kylen Granson was a common target for McKee. Bryant made a good leaping catch in traffic. Muse made a great diving grab on a McCord throw that had a little too much mustarrrrdddddddddd on it. Would be interested to see Muse get some second-team offense looks. E.J. Jenkins has been quiet after standing out last offseason.
Saquon Barkley had a big run up the middle. What’s new?
Jalyx Hunt was active in the backfield on multiple reps. Probably good to see him be so noticeable.
Rookie defensive tackle Ty Robinson batted down a DTR pass at the line of scrimmage for an incompletion.
Delaware State head coach DeSean Jackson was a guest at today’s practice, as were multiple members of his coaching staff.
Dom DiSandro was wearing a white Eagles hat with “Big Dom” embossed on the side. Not sure if I’ve seen that before. Couldn’t get a picture of it but I’ll try during training camp.
Undrafted rookie defensive back Brandon Mayes got flagged for totally mugging a wide receiver.
Undrafted rookie running back ShunDerrick Powell fumbled the ball along the left sideline after making a catch in the flat. Tough to lose control of the ball in non-contact practices.
Undrafted rookie wide receiver Ife Adeyi participated in practice. The same Adeyi who was signed and then quickly cut last week in order to make room for the Keilan Robinson waiver claim. Guessing Adeyi was attending on a tryout basis. He wore No. 48. Robinson is wearing No. 35.
UP NEXT: Summer vacation! Eagles players and coaches are off until training camp begins in late July. We’ll still have daily coverage of the Birds here at Bleeding Green Nation in the meantime … barring a Vox Media Union strike that could impact BGN soon.
