Under three weeks until the season starts!
The Philadelphia Eagles’ training camp is now well underway. It is time to dissect what we have witnessed so far.
It has been an interesting training camp so far for the Eagles, with eager rookies shining, issues with roster depth being highlighted, and injury concerns that could derail the 25-26 campaign.
There has never been a better opportunity to discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly factors of preseason so far.
Good: Darius Cooper
After starring for Tarleton State University and signing with Philadelphia after the 2025 draft process, wide receiver Darius Cooper has a mammoth task to claw his way into an elite offensive unit that has just etched their name onto the Vince Lombardi Trophy after Super Bowl LIX.
Nevertheless, his efforts so far have shown no signs of intimidation. Cooper averaged 13.6 yards over six receptions in his debut game against the Cincinnati Bengals – claiming one touchdown in the process.
Devonta Smith explained to Zach Berman, senior writer at The Athletic, that Cooper is “a freak of nature” after spending time together on the practice field.
A glowing reference, but will it be enough to edge his way into head coach Nick Sirianni’s final 53-man roster?
Bad: Cornerback depth
This time last year, eyebrows were raised over the Eagles’ cornerback position, with Darius Slay being the only standout candidate for a starting berth.
Keeley Ringo, Isaiah Rodgers, Avonte Maddox, and Eli Ricks provided depth, but none of them were considered a quality replacement when the injury list started to increase.
Nevertheless, the incredible rookie pairing of Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean manufactured a phenomenal partnership that was integral to the resilient defense that Vic Fangio had established.
However, with the defensive coordinator suggesting that DeJean will be given the responsibility of the safety position this year and Slay joining the Pittsburgh Steelers, this leaves a gaping hole in the roster.
Ugly: Landon Dickerson injury scare
If the 2015 Most Valuable Player, Cam Newton, is to be believed, then Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts cannot function without his elite offensive line at full strength, so an injury to Landon Dickerson could be fatal in the franchise’s hopes of retaining the Super Bowl.
The left guard reportedly had the injury occur during an open practice in front of 45,000 fans at the Lincoln Financial Field.
With the devastating blow being sustained on August 10, many supporters were left to panic about the condition that their three-time Pro Bowler could be in come to the season-opener versus the Dallas Cowboys – on September 4.
Since then, several sources have reported that Dickerson underwent a minor procedure on his right meniscus and could be cleared to play against Jerry Jones and his band of merry cowboys.
Despite the optimism, being declared fit to participate and being conditioned to play in the brutal world of the NFL are two very different goalposts – something that the Eagles will have to consider with such a long, hard schedule ahead of them.
