Day One

PHILADELPHIA — School was officially back in session Wednesday morning, as the Eagles held their first training camp practice of the summer. The tone around the Jefferson Health Training Complex ahead of the initial practice was upbeat and optimistic, reminiscent of a first day of school. Sure, the season opener for the Eagles is still over a month away, but the foundation for the 2026 season will be established over the next few weeks.

ITB Photo: The Philadelphia Eagles conducted their first training camp practice ahead of the 2026 season.

Wednesday’s practice, classified as “yellow,” covered approximately 77 minutes.

Ahead of the morning practice, the Eagles placed OLB Jonathan Greenard on the physically unable to perform list. Greenard, 29, sustained a pectoral strain while lifting before camp. The injury, however, is not expected to be a long-term concern. It’s worth mentioning that Greenard was limited to 12 games last season with the Vikings due to a shoulder injury.

Before practice, Eagles’ executive vice president/general manager Howie Roseman spoke about the Greenard injury:

“He was lifting and he has a pec strain,” he said. “One of the things that we know about Greenard is he’s going to be ready to play. Training camp’s so important, practice is so important, but when you have a guy like that who prepares the way he does, who has the experience in the NFL the way he does, you know he’s going to be ready to play when we start the season. We want to be smart with all our guys and get them ready, but at the same time, acknowledge the process that they have to take to make sure that they are 100% when they come back. This is not a long-term injury. This is nothing we’re concerned about, but when we can, we’re going to make sure that we take care of our guys and put them in the best position to have a great year.”

ITB Photo: The revamped Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver room participated in their first training camp practice.

Let’s get on with the observations.

*The progression of the Eagles’ new-look offense promises to be among the more compelling storylines of the summer. With regard to the passing game, Wednesday included a healthy dose of under-center play action, motion and throws over the middle.  It was only one practice, granted, but I thought Jalen Hurts handled himself well, largely delivering throws with touch and optimal ball placement while remaining poised.

Sure, there was a throw early into an 11-on-11 session where Hurts was unable to connect with WR Dontayvion Wicks on a mid-range throw, as CB Quinyon Mitchell broke on the pass and logged a deflection. Good play by Mitchell. But there were two Hurts throws in particular in contention for his best of the day. The first was a deep strike down the middle of the field to WR Darius Cooper, who laid out to reel in the pass. Cooper slipped behind DB Cooper DeJean. Cooper, a second-year pro, is just a consistent practice player. He delivered a play a day last summer and is off to another promising start.

The other throw was on a deep dig route on the far side of the field to wide receiver DeVonta Smith, who had positioning on Mitchell. Hurts’ throw was on the money, and Smith was cashed in. Expect plenty of those timing-based connections this season.

*Third-year OLB Jalyx Hunt appears to be on the verge of a breakout campaign. The Houston Christian product made his presence felt early, showcasing his first-step explosiveness and athleticism when turning the corner. He stormed into the backfield on multiple occasions, including one that would have resulted in a big-time loss, as Hunt sniffed out a throw to RB Tank Bigsby in the left flat during a team period. It’s evident watching Hunt that the reps have helped him to grow into the position, notably when it comes to fine-tuning the details and developing a pass-rush plan.

*The Eagles opened in base defense, with DeJean aligned at safety next to second-year pro Drew Mukuba. When the Eagles shifted to nickel personnel, DeJean kicked inside and veteran Marcus Epps replaced him at safety. Veteran Michael Carter II, perhaps flying under-the-radar a bit, also mixed in. Carter II has good short-area quickness and range, complementing his football IQ.

*The first-team offensive line was as expected (L-R): LT Jordan Mailata, LG Landon Dickerson, C Cam Jurgens, RG Tyler Steen, RT Lane Johnson.

Second team (L-R): LT Fred Johnson, LG Michael Jordan, C Jake Majors, RG Drew Kendall, RT Markel Bell.

Third team (L-R): LT John Ojukwu, LG Myles Hinton, C Willie Lampkin, RG Micah Morris, RT Cameron Williams.

*Among the more notable storylines from spring practices entailed the rotating of quarterbacks Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton with the second-team offense. Before Wednesday’s practice, Eagles Head Coach Nick Sirianni mentioned the rotation at QB2 will continue, and both signal callers had their opportunities. McKee got the initial nod with the second unit, but Dalton also mixed in. Dalton, on a 2nd-and-15 situational period, rifled in a tight window throw on an in-breaker to wide receiver Johnny Wilson between two defenders.

*Reps for No. 4 quarterbacks are always scarce in training camp, but rookie Cole Payton made the most of his opportunities, highlighted by a pair of downfield throws. The first was a strike to WR Quez Watkins, who extended over CB Kelee Ringo to bring in the throw. The other occurred during the developmental period, when Payton dropped one in the bucket to WR Britain Covey with CB Tariq Castro-Fields in close proximity.

*The Eagles punt returners Wednesday: Britain Covey, Elijah Moore, Makai Lemon. Lemon fielded the ball cleanly and his initial burst is apparent, but of this group of returners, I’m most intrigued by Moore. While well-traveled, Moore is an experienced and dependable interior receiver who could provide quality depth, though to stick as a fifth or sixth receiver, the job description becomes more about special teams value. It seems as though Moore will have an opportunity to establish himself there.

ITB Photo: Second-year LB Jihaad Campbell will now wear No. 11, previously worn by A.J. Brown.

*Some jersey number updates for the enthusiasts:

LB Jihaad Campbell: 11

DB Shaun Wade: 30

WR Erik Ezukanma: 49

OLB A.J. Epenesa: 57

OG Michael Jordan: 79

— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.