Eagles get cautious in practice as injuries stack up
The Philadelphia Eagles’ Tuesday practice offered a clearer picture of how injuries are shaping camp. Star wideout A.J. Brown remains out with a hamstring issue, and left guard Landon Dickerson is sidelined while recovering from knee surgery. Three new names joined the injury report as the team navigates a long session.
Missing practice were quarterback Tanner McKee, left tackle Jordan Mailata, and wide receiver DeVonta Smith. McKee is dealing with a non-surgical finger injury on his throwing hand, Mailata is dealing with a concussion, and Smith is listed with a groin issue, per Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
With Tuesday’s practice expected to be one of the team’s longest of camp, the Eagles are taking a conservative approach with some offensive starters, including Smith and Dallas Goedert. McLane noted that, with McKee out, backup quarterbacks Kyle McCord and Dorian Thompson-Robinson will be tasked with producing extended reps.
McKee has been standout as Jalen Hurts’s backup throughout camp. In the first preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, he went 20 of 25 for 252 yards with two touchdowns and also scored on the tush push. He did not play in Saturday’s preseason game against the Browns, and his finger injury occurred late in Monday’s practice.
Mailata’s head injury is a concern, especially with Dickerson already out. It’s unclear when the second-team All-Pro sustained the concussion. The Eagles pride themselves on one of the league’s best offensive lines, so losing two top-line players could be a significant hurdle for their depth on the line.
Smith’s absence appears more precautionary than serious. With Brown’s status uncertain for the Sept. 4 opener against the Dallas Cowboys, keeping Smith healthy is a priority.
Takeaways and context
– McKee’s finger injury opens the door for more reps for McCord and Thompson-Robinson, which could influence how the team evaluates depth behind Hurts.
– Mailata’s concussion adds to the ongoing question of the right tackle spot on a line that has been among the league’s best; the timing could impact early-season availability.
– Smith’s groin and Brown’s hamstring leave the receiving corps with questions as the opener approaches, but the team is prioritizing health for the start of the season.
Summary for readers
The Eagles are balancing development with health as camp progresses. With key players sidelined or limited, the spotlight is on the depth chart, especially at quarterback, tackle, and receiver, ahead of a high-stakes Week 1 meeting with the Cowboys. If healthy, the core unit remains formidable, and early camp performances by backups could influence roster decisions as decisions near the final cuts.
Positive outlook
There’s reason for optimism: the team has shown faith in its depth, McKee has demonstrated potential as Hurts’s understudy, and the organization tends to manage camp injuries with a focus on long-term performance. If players return to full health, the Eagles’ offense could regain full strength quickly.
If you’d like, I can add a brief explainer on how teams typically manage camp injuries and rotate players to protect key contributors while keeping the offense sharp.