The Philadelphia Eagles moved the start of camp up 30 minutes due to the heat, but that didn't lower the intensity. The Birds were in pads for Saturday's scrimmage, adding a physical edge to their eighth practice of training camp in preparation for the 2026 season.
Former Eagles great Jason Kelce and current Phillies ace pitcher Zack Wheeler were both on hand to take in Philadelphia's longest camp to date this summer, almost 2 hours.
Here are observations from Saturday, Aug. 8, at Eagles training camp.
The biggest news of the morning was that Cam Jurgens was back at practice after leaving early yesterday. With what he went through last season, seeing him bounce back so quickly is an encouraging sign. Though he did go inside early as practice was winding down. No word on why at this time.
Last Saturday, the Eagles installed new plays; they may be doing that again this weekend, as they had RB Saquon Barkley and WR Elijah Moore in their backfield together. Many thought a lack of innovation made the Eagles' offense predictable last season; an effort to change that is a focus at camp.
Jalen Hurts continues to make throws between the hashes and successfully attack the middle of the field. Many critics questioned his ability to perform these throws, and he has silenced his doubters so far at camp.
New receivers: Elijah Moore and Dontayvion Wicks' ability to get separation quickly and make catches on the run is displaying why the Eagles went out to bring both players to Philadelphia. The first-team reps, due to DeVonta and Makai nursing hamstring injuries, are showing the chemistry and trust they are building with Hurts during this time is invaluable. Their development with the offense should pay huge dividends during the season.
Jalen Hurts also continues to build chemistry with the veteran players on the team. QB1 has come to camp hungry to learn a new offense, and he has performed very well.
Coop continues to impress at camp and appears to be one of the top 6, if not 5, receivers at camp. He has battled with staying healthy in the past, but the talent has never been questioned. Darius is having a tremendous summer.
Bigsby has been working hard all offseason to take on a larger role with the offense, and he continues to show it on the field. I have been bullish on the season I believe he is going to have this year, and everything he is doing at camp just confirms that belief more.
Jalen Carter, who signed a contract extension with the Eagles on the first day of camp, continues to show why Philadelphia invested in him. He has been disruptive all summer and seems to have moved past those shoulder issues that plagued him last season. Carter could be the breakout player on the defense this season. Which sounds wild considering how good he already was. He has the potential to be the best DT in the game.
Lane Johnson was participating in team drills after returning yesterday from a 4-day excused non-injury-related absence. Markel Bell is still getting reps with the first team at right tackle as the team eases Lane back. Bell getting reps ahead of Fred Johnson could be a sign that the rookie is currently ahead on the depth chart.
Willie Lampkin continues to impress at guard. He stood tall in today's practice, as he did yesterday. All of the potential is starting to show in results on the field.
The forgotten DT, Ty Robinson, was impressive in a couple of reps versus Drew Kendall. It is important for the former 4th-round pick to begin and stack good practices to earn playing time. He also had some first-team reps today, a potentially encouraging development.
When life gives you lemons…Makai Lemon did not participate in practice drills, but he has stayed active and made the most of the time he can. He was off to the side working the jugs machine. The team does not seem overly concerned with his injury at this time.
The Eagles continue to show why there is plenty of optimism surrounding this team as they improve and correct issues, especially on the offensive side, that plagued them in 2025.
There is a long way to go before the season starts on September 13th, but the physicality is increasing, and the team is putting in the effort at practice as they would in a game, just as OC Sean Mannion desires.
As always, thank you for reading!
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