PHILADELPHIA - The Eagles hit the practice field to start of the week gearing up for their final preseason game when they visit the New York Jets Friday night at 7:30 p.m. There are still plenty of questions surrounding the second outside cornerback battle along with some injury news as we get closer to the season opener.
Eagles Injury Update
First, let's get some injury housekeeping out of the way. Here was the practice injury report for Monday's practice:
https://twitter.com/Jeff_McLane/status/1957448743600501087
The two biggest takeaways from this report:
A.J. Brown is still dealing with his hamstring injury. The team could just be taking it extra cautious with their star wide receiver ensuring he will not have any flare ups when the season opens. However, Brown has not had a full practice since Aug. 1.
https://twitter.com/EliotShorrParks/status/1957448910059770162
Zack Baun returned to practice after a back injury has kept him sidelined for the majority of training camp. It was one of the first times that the Eagles were able to get a look at both Baun and Jihaad Campbell side by side at linebacker on the field.
https://twitter.com/JFMcMullen/status/1957440065690354158
Eagles' CB2 battle still not determined
Prior to Monday's practice, Vic Fangio was asked about the state of affairs when it comes to the second outside cornerback starting spot with Kelee Ringo, Adoree' Jackson and Jakorian Bennett all vying for the job.
"They are all close," the defensive coordinator said. "Usually, it does become pretty obvious to everybody who will win the job. That hasn’t happened yet. I think they have done a good job in their own ways. Some good moments, some not so good moments.”
It was reported that Jackson was out on the field opposite of Quinyon Mitchell in first team reps, indicating that if the season were to start tomorrow, Jackson would more than likely be the starter. Also of note, Mac McWilliams, the fifth-round pick out of UCF also was mixed in as a substitute with the first team, instead of Ringo.
https://twitter.com/BKubena/status/1957453055646970083
The Eagles' defensive coordinator also eluded that Cooper DeJean would get some reps on the outside in practice indicating that the team is looking to leave no stone unturned. DeJean went up against DeVonta Smith according to Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports.
https://twitter.com/JeffKerrCBS/status/1957454489255883034
Jakorian Bennett spoke with the media after the practice and admitted that it has been a bit of a tough process getting used to a new team and defense all while competing for a starting job.
"I'd be lying if I said it was easy. But they are doing a good job getting me acclimated. I'm a pro for a reason. I'm gonna come in and go about doing things the right way and I'm going to keep chopping. Rome wasn't built in a day...I'm going to continue stacking."
Good day for Jalen Hurts
After reportedly not having the best week of practice last week, including the joint practices against the Browns, Eagles QB Jalen Hurts had a very solid day throwing the football according to multiple reports. Hurts threw a pair of touchdowns including one to tight end Kylen Granson on a 4th down play while converting a two-point conversion to DeVonta Smith.
https://twitter.com/Mfranknfl/status/1957469311980736955
He also connected with Darius Cooper for a solid gain down the sideline.
Hurts and the passing game looking improved compared to last week and even prior is a good sign for the offense as they continue to add in new wrinkles and work in sync with first-year Offensive Coordinator Kevin Patullo.
The Eagles will continue to prepare for their preseason finale against the Jets later this week.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
