The Eagles returned to the practice field at the NovaCare Complex for the 2023 edition of NFL training camp.
A team with Super Bowl aspirations and NFC title hope will return most of the league’s most explosive offense while revamping a talented defense with elite veterans up front and in the secondary.
Jalen Hurts is the face of the franchise after signing a contract extension, and he’ll look to join an elite group of signal-callers.
With Day 2 set for Thursday, here are takeaways and observations from Day 1.
Georgia Boys
Georgia and Alabama players get to the NFL already ahead of the professional curve, and this year is no different with Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith.
Brandon Graham raving about Nolan Smith and the Georgia kids.
“Them boys. They work.” #Eagles pic.twitter.com/r9Cm2Vk4vK
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) July 26, 2023
Day 1 of training camp is the second time an Eagles veteran has highlighted the intensity that Georgia players participate with.
Nolan Smith six sacks as a rookie?
Nolan Smith has beaten Jack Driscoll on back-to-back plays.
His speed off the edge is incredible. Would have had a sack on the first play.
Smith against 2nd team offense. #Eagles
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) July 26, 2023
Jalen Carter was the No. 9 overall pick, but Nolan Smith could be the most impactful rookie for Philadelphia at seasons end.
Nolan Smith in with the 1st team defense on goal line/red zone.
In for Brandon Graham. Expect a rotation there. #Eagles
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) July 26, 2023
Smith is an athletic marvel and could develop into a player utilized at multiple levels and multiple positions.
D'Andre Swift
Eagles observations from Day 1 of camp:
D'Andre Swift was deployed in a variety of ways, from lining up outside to motioning into the slot out of the backfield. He was primarily a pass catcher today.
Swift, Penny, Gainwell, Scott and Sermon all split time at RB.
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) July 26, 2023
Swift is in a contract year and may only be in Philadelphia for one season, but he’s going to get hundreds of combined touches in the rushing and passing games.
D’Andre Swift got a lot of the short passes in 7-on-7.
Him and Nolan Smith were noticeable in that part of practice. So was DeVonta Smith. #Eagles
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) July 26, 2023
Eagles going RB by committee
Head coach Nick Sirianni confirmed that Philadelphia will use a running back by committee approach.
Cliff notes version of Nick Sirianni/Howie Roseman presser:
*#Eagles very healthy entering camp. Every player passed conditioning test.
*Cam Jurgens will get first crack at starting RG.
*RB will start off as by-committee.
*Jalen Hurts protection conversation same as always.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) July 26, 2023
During Wednesday’s practice, every running back that participated logged first team reps.
1st team defensive tackles
It was only Day 1, but it appears that Fletcher Cox and Jordan Davis will have first crack at leading the defensive tackle rotation.
Fletcher Cox and Jordan Davis are the first team DT.
Jalen Carter on 2bd team. #Eagles
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) July 26, 2023
Christian Elliss could push Nicholas Morrow out
It is only 7-on-7 and light team work, but Christian Elliss has been ascending up the depth chart since OTAs and he opened up training camp with another high-motor performance.
Christian Elliss picks right up where he left off in OTAs and intercepts Marcus Mariota. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) July 26, 2023
GM Howie Roseman has talked about potentially addressing the linebacker position and Elliss could make Morrow expendable.
Injury news
All-Pro pass rusher Haason Reddick sat out practice with a sore groin, while Derek Barnett participated on a limited basis.
Outside of Reddick and Barnett, the Eagles entered Day 1 relatively healthy, having only Devon Allen on the PUP list after Tuesday’s conditioning test.
Dennis Kelly is back with the Eagles. Haason Reddick is not practicing today with a sore groin. Hopefully sometime over the weekend or after the weekend. Devon Allen is on the PUP list pic.twitter.com/q9JYqnBeeH
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) July 26, 2023
Allen was placed on the Active/Non-Football Injury List with a calf injury.
