Jalen Hurts Impresses in Second Day of Philadelphia Eagles Training Camp
ICARO Media Group
The Philadelphia Eagles kicked off their second training camp practice today at the NovaCare Complex, as they prepare for the upcoming 2024 season. The session lasted for about 90 minutes and featured some notable performances. Here's a breakdown of what transpired during the practice.
One of the standout players once again was quarterback Jalen Hurts. Hurts showcased efficiency and decisiveness throughout the practice, both as a passer and a runner. His improved decision-making and quick release were particularly evident, as he made fewer hesitations and held onto the ball for shorter durations compared to previous seasons. With improved health this year, Hurts exhibited an impressive level of speed, easily evading pressure and making plays with his legs.
In one notable completion during the 7-on-7 drills, Hurts delivered a perfectly placed ball to wide receiver A.J. Brown along the right sideline. Brown made an over-the-shoulder catch with cornerback Darius Slay in close coverage, highlighting Hurts' accuracy and connection with his receivers.
Injury updates from the camp include Jeremiah Trotter Jr., who unfortunately went down on the final play of practice. However, early reports suggest he has avoided a serious injury. Landon Dickerson returned to practice in a limited capacity after suffering a toe laceration. On the other hand, Oren Burks and Brett Toth were absent from practice due to knee and hamstring issues, respectively. Sydney Brown, Cooper DeJean, and Shaquan Davis continue to remain on the active/PUP and active/NFI lists.
Roster news saw the Eagles re-sign wide receiver Griffin Hebert while waiving undrafted free agent offensive lineman Gottlieb Ayedze from the active/NFI list.
The battle for the cornerback positions continued on the second day of practice, with Darius Slay, Isaiah Rodgers, and Kelee Ringo rotating in the first-team lineup. Both Rodgers and Ringo have yet to make standout plays on the ball, possibly due to Hurts' improved performance. The competition at cornerback remains open, with no clear frontrunner emerging at this stage.
At the linebacker position, Zack Baun and Devin White continued to occupy first-team roles. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. also saw some first-team reps alongside White, signifying positive signs for his development.
In the wide receiver hierarchy, John Ross took the WR3 spot on Day 2, although he didn't particularly stand out. Parris Campbell had a more productive day, catching more passes during practice.
Running back Kenny Gainwell received a significant number of first-team reps, revealing a potential rotational option alongside Saquon Barkley rather than a direct threat to his starting role.
The Eagles coaching staff seemed to emphasize conditioning this offseason, evident through their fast-paced practices resembling the tempo seen during the Chip Kelly era. Changes within the training staff, including the absence of Ted Rath, further indicate a focus on enhanced fitness levels.
Throughout the practice, several players displayed impressive performances. Defensive linemen Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis combined to put pressure on Hurts, forcing him to make a difficult pass to DeVonta Smith. Meanwhile, Isaiah Rodgers showcased his speed by chasing down a long run by Tyrion Davis-Price from behind.
As the training camp progresses, players like Tyler Steen and Jalyx Hunt have shown promise, while others, like C.J. Uzomah, have yet to make a significant impact.
The Eagles will conduct a closed walkthrough on Friday, with the next open practice scheduled for Saturday morning. Fans eagerly await further developments and performances from the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.