Tuesday marked the Eagles’ fifth OTA session and second open practice for reporters. Several players returned, including Lane Johnson, Landon Dickerson, and Reed Blankenship. Notable absences included DeVonta Smith, whose voluntary absence raised no concerns.
Injured players like Cam Jurgens, Jihaad Campbell, and Nakobe Dean were present but did not participate. Fangio noted Campbell and Dean are not expected to return until later in the summer due to surgery recoveries.
Tyler Steen continues to lock in as the starting right guard, while Brett Toth filled in at center with Jurgens sidelined. The first-team offensive line featured familiar faces like Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson. Receiver reps saw more of Jahan Dotson, Terrace Marshall, and Ainias Smith due to limited participation from A.J. Brown and no DeVonta Smith. Saquon Barkley, easing into action, took limited reps in team drills.
With Blankenship back, Sydney Brown initially started at safety beside him, though rookies like Drew Mukuba and Tristin McCollum rotated in. Fangio specifically mentioned McCollum, hinting at a broader safety competition than assumed. The Eagles’ defense opened in a base package, allowing Cooper DeJean snaps at outside corner. DeJean also worked individually with safeties, signaling possible versatility.
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Cornerback rotations were notable, with Kelee Ringo and Adoree’ Jackson competing for a starting spot opposite Quinyon Mitchell. DeJean played slot corner in nickel packages. At linebacker, with Dean and Campbell sidelined, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. took all first-team reps next to Zack Baun and made the most of them. Nolan Smith and Jalen Carter sat out team drills as injury precautions, but both are expected to ramp up soon.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts had another efficient day, primarily sticking to short and intermediate throws. He capped the day with a beautiful deep strike to Dallas Goedert for over 30 yards. While the offense focused on efficiency, Hurts’ accuracy and composure highlighted his growing comfort in the scheme.
Wide receiver Danny Gray stood out again, showing speed and body control despite one drop. Originally a third-round pick by the 49ers, Gray seems poised to make a strong push for a roster spot. His presence and frequent targets may foreshadow a breakout summer performance.
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Rookie Kyle McCord, the sixth-round pick, impressed in limited action, delivering a sharp throw through traffic. In contrast, Dorian Thompson-Robinson had the worst throw of the day with a wobbly short pass. On defense, rookie Mac McWilliams earned the loudest cheer with a perfectly timed pass breakup, boosting his early case for a special-teams and backup role.
The offense showed variety with a 21-personnel look, placing Barkley in the slot and Shipley in the backfield, suggesting creative formations for the fall. Spring practices have also emphasized passing to running backs, though past years’ trends caution optimism.
Play-action looks also appeared more frequently, with Hurts’ previous success in that area hinting at more to come in 2025. And finally, a humorous moment saw Hurts avoid contact during a ball security drill — no one wanted to hit the franchise QB.
