Eagles Close Camp with Hurts Optimism, Barkley Involvement
Source: NBC10 Philadelphia Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
The Philadelphia Eagles concluded their 2026 training camp on Wednesday afternoon with a non-padded, hour-and-a-half practice that served as the final tune-up before Friday's preseason finale against the Cincinnati Bengals at the Linc. The team will then trim the roster to 53 players by Sunday evening. Here are the key observations from Day 17:
First, the injury front offered some relief. Lane Johnson, who pulled himself out of Tuesday's public practice at the Linc with an apparent leg issue, returned to full participation on Wednesday and was not listed on the injury report. Similarly, Jordan Davis, who appeared to injure his left elbow during that same session, practiced fully but wore a brace on his arm. The official injury report for Wednesday included: not practicing — OT Markel Bell (thumb/leg), CB Jakorian Bennett (knee), TE Grant Calcaterra (back), TE Eli Stowers (hamstring), S Cole Wisniewski (concussion); limited — CB Jonathan Jones (shoulder), who returned after missing eight full practices.
The quarterback competition behind Jalen Hurts continued. In team drills, veteran Andy Dalton took the first reps with the first-team offense, but Tanner McKee led off in 7-on-7s. The opening offensive unit in 12 personnel featured Dallas Goedert, Johnny Mundt, Saquon Barkley, DeVonta Smith, and Dontayvion Wicks. When the Eagles switched to 11 personnel, Mundt was replaced by rookie receiver Makai Lemon, who also handled punt return duties along with Britain Covey, Quez Watkins, and Cooper DeJean. Lemon's role as a returner seems likely to be part of his rookie season responsibilities.
One of the most notable trends was the increased use of running backs in the passing game. On a designed play, Jalen Hurts threw a quick pass to Barkley, who was split wide left. DeVonta Smith delivered a key block on cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, springing Barkley for a big gain. Barkley caught 37 passes last season and 33 in 2024, with a career-high of 91 as a rookie with the Giants in 2018. This year's total could land somewhere in between.
In 7-on-7s, Lemon saw time with the second team and caught back-to-back passes from McKee, the second for a touchdown. Later, a mix-up occurred when the Eagles tried to run an 11-personnel package but had only 10 players on the field, leading to a delay as they waved Lemon in.
Defensive back Michael Carter II recorded an interception when Dalton's pass to Darius Cooper sailed high near the goal line. Cooper couldn't corral the ball, and Andre' Sam's tight coverage allowed the ball to pop into Carter's hands. Carter, a former Jets nickel corner, has had a flashy camp playing multiple positions. Vic Fangio noted Wednesday that the safety battle between Carter and Marcus Epps remains undecided.
Rookie seventh-round pick Keyshawn James-Newby generated a highlight by beating offensive tackle John Ojukwu for a sack during team drills. James-Newby missed significant time with an ankle injury but showed his potential in that moment. Former UFL receiver Erik Ezukanma caught a touchdown pass from McKee on fourth-and-goal, though a roster spot seems unlikely. The pass itself was perfectly placed.
Carter was also on the receiving end of a sharp throw from Dalton, who rifled a pass to tight end Stone Smart on a slant that Carter barely missed with his fingertips. The practice's offensive highlight came when Hurts found Smith for a leaping touchdown grab in the end zone, underscoring Smith's readiness to be the team's WR1.
Other observations: Tight end Cam Latu had a bad drop but later made a nice play releasing a block and catching a pass in the flat. He has a strong chance to make the roster as a TE/FB/special teams player. Cornerback Ambry Thomas was flagged for defensive pass interference late in practice and argued vehemently with the official, almost drawing a second penalty. Quinyon Mitchell broke up a pass intended for Hollywood Brown, a throw that was slightly behind the receiver. Undrafted free agent Kapena Gushiken continued to flash, playing safety with the second team and then shifting to nickel corner, showcasing his versatility. Edge rusher Jalyx Hunt beat Johnny Mundt into the backfield for a stop that was ruled no gain. Cornerbacks Riq Woolen and Cooper DeJean both had pass breakups against Smith, with DeJean's coverage particularly tight.
One final note: during an early practice period, the ease with which DeVonta Smith runs backward caught the eye — it looked as natural as if he were running forward in reverse.
Article commentary
The Eagles' training camp finale offered a clear snapshot of where the team stands heading into the final preseason game and the roster cutdown. The primary storyline remains the evolution of the offense under new coordinator Sean Mannion, and Jalen Hurts' public comments underscore a growing chemistry with his weapons. The decision to feature Saquon Barkley as a receiver out of the backfield, lining him up wide and using DeVonta Smith as a blocker, signals a creative approach that could pay dividends. Barkley's receiving numbers have fluctuated, but if the Eagles commit to this scheme, he could easily surpass 50 catches this season, adding a dynamic element that defenses must respect. The quarterback competition behind Hurts is still unresolved. Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee are splitting reps, but neither has separated clearly. Dalton's experience gives him an edge in game management, while McKee's arm strength and accuracy on throws like the touchdown to Erik Ezukanma show promise. The Eagles may opt to keep both on the 53-man roster, but that would squeeze other positions. Given that McKee has practice squad eligibility, the team might lean toward Dalton as the primary backup, with McKee stashed for development. Defensively, the battle at safety between Michael Carter II and Marcus Epps is one of the most intriguing camp competitions. Carter's versatility — playing nickel, safety, and even some linebacker in sub packages — makes him a valuable chess piece. His interception on Wednesday was a testament to his instincts, but Epps' experience and run-stopping ability cannot be overlooked. Vic Fangio's reluctance to name a starter suggests both will see playing time, perhaps in specific packages. The emergence of undrafted free agent Kapena Gushiken adds further depth, though his path to the roster is narrow. Rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon appears to have carved out a role not just as a returner but as a potential contributor on offense. His ability to step in with the second team and catch touchdowns shows maturity. The Eagles' decision to use him as a punt returner alongside veterans like Britain Covey indicates they value his speed and elusiveness. If Lemon makes the roster, special teams will be his primary avenue, but his offensive snaps could grow as the season progresses. Injury management will be crucial. Lane Johnson and Jordan Davis are healthy after minor scares, but the depth behind them remains a concern. With Markel Bell, Jakorian Bennett, and Grant Calcaterra sidelined, the Eagles need to evaluate whether their backups can hold up. Jonathan Jones' return from an eight-practice absence is a positive sign, but he will need to build chemistry quickly. Finally, the team's offensive identity is taking shape. The emphasis on getting the ball to Saquon Barkley in space, combined with DeVonta Smith's emergence as a true WR1, gives Hurts a formidable duo. The tight end group, with Dallas Goedert and Johnny Mundt, provides stability, but the development of Cam Latu as a hybrid player could be a hidden asset. The Eagles' offensive line, anchored by Mailata and Johnson, remains a strength, though the right guard competition between Tyler Steen and others is still fluid. As the preseason concludes, the Eagles are positioned to contend in the NFC East. The depth chart is nearly set, but the final 53-man roster will reveal which young players earned their spots. The Bengals game on Friday will be the last chance for bubble players to make an impression. What remains clear is that this team has the talent to compete, provided the health and chemistry hold up through the regular season.