As the NFL regular season inches closer, Eagles training camp is underway with the rest of the league. The team is almost a week into summer practices and storylines are already flourishing. Whether its matchups, injuries or star players there have been daily standout narratives.
Here are the top takeaways coming out of day five.
A Closer Look Into The Top Stories From Eagles Training Camp Day Five
The Gloves Come On… Well In This Case Pads
Today’s practice marked a pivotal turn in the training camp season. According to Bleeding Green Nation, the team suited up for its first full padded practice of the offseason. The team passed their starting “ramp-up” point and are now ready for full contact.
This shift in practice for any team brings advantages and disadvantages. Of course, padded practice brings a more realistic feel that will be in regular season games. It also leads to a higher level of competition with more physicality.
However, there should also be a balance of caution involved. More physicality means a higher chance of injury. Players will need to be sharp, in shape and technically sound in order to avoid being banged up to start the season.
Speaking of injuries…
Two Stars Banged Up On the O-Line
The Eagles offensive line is already facing the injury bug. This was already an expectation. NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark reported in the morning that tackle Lane Johnson would return from injury today but he’d see limited action.
Lane Johnson is not in there for first team reps https://t.co/awM9fjIjMW
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) July 30, 2024
Things got worse for the unit later in the day though. Guard Landon Dickerson suffered an injury scare in practice according to Clark and Eliot Shorr Parks.
Trevor Keegan is in for Landon Dickerson. Lane Johnson is in there https://t.co/pGniJion5S
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) July 30, 2024
Trevor Keegan getting some 1st team reps at left guard with Dickerson on the sideline
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) July 30, 2024
Dickerson seems to be fine, but the line being healthy is critical this season. The strength of the unit will be on the shoulders of guys like Dickerson and Johnson now that center Jason Kelce retired.
A Good Problem To Have On Offense
Probably the best piece of news out of today is quarterback Jalen Hurts had a fine day at practice. According to Parks, Hurts went 14/21 with six touchdowns and no picks. Hurts also has yet to throw a pick this camp.
However, even with the positive numbers, Parks argues that Hurts could have been better. Much of his production came in the red zone and there were a few instances in regular drills where the offense was outmatched today. Its a solid start for the team. However, they will need to keep improving going forward.
Eagles Training Camp Stats, Day 5:
Tuesday’s practice was a mixed bag for Hurts and the offense
The positive is obvious — 6 TDs and no INTs
The negative is he probably could/should have had even more
The Eagles did plenty of red zone drills and as a result Hurts had a… pic.twitter.com/B4rRPs1nyV
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) July 30, 2024
Main Image: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
