The unfortunate part about training camp is that not every great player is going to make the 53-man roster. It appears that might end up being the case for the Philadelphia Eagles at wide receiver.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni spoke with the media, where he was asked about the younger receivers like Johnny Wilson and Ainias Smith getting more playing time with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith in and out of practice with minor injuries. Sirianni showed his hand a bit on his thoughts as he praised Wilson and Ainias Smith while giving a slight nod to the others.
"Obviously, the ones in our practices get more reps, so they’re getting more reps than they would get when they were with the twos," Sirianni said via Bleeding Green Nation. "So anytime you get more reps, that’s huge. It builds trust with the quarterback, which is always big. Johnny had a big third-down catch in a backed-up scenario yesterday, which again, builds confidence. So, I think those guys in that wide receiver room are doing a nice job. [WR] Jahan [Dotson]‘s been good all offseason. Same thing like how I mentioned Tyler Steen. Jahan is another guy that’s really showed up, and then, it has been a good battle for that four or five spot. I think Ainias shows great quickness and acceleration. He’s scrappy. Johnny, I think it’s probably underestimated how much Johnny did for us last year on that field. One of our better special teams players, a guy that was very powerful at the point of attack on the number one rushing team, and then looking forward to [WR] Terrace [Marshall] getting back out there. [WR] Elijah Cooks is doing a good job. [WR] Darius Cooper has got a lot of talent, and we’re excited to continue to work with those guys."
Cooks and Cooper might still be on the outside despite stellar camp
Cooks and Cooper have been discussed among Eagles reporters as the standouts at wide receiver. They both have demonstrated that they can make big plays with Cooks more of the possession receiver and Cooper being quick and precise with his routes.
The harsh reality is Ainias Smith and Wilson were always going to have the advantage over them since they are more experienced in the offense. Smith hasn't had a bad camp, but hasn't made any memorable ones. All reports say that Wilson has struggled at practice with being a consistent receiver, but has shown some excellent blocking.
There really isn't much of a question regarding who the WR3 is going to be, as Dotson has the advantage. Marshall might have been able to push him, but his injury has kept him off the field and might set him back enough that he will be a photo finish as to whether he makes the 53-man roster.
Preseason games could change everything, but it seems very unlikely that Cooks and Cooper will be able to make it. The Eagles will no doubt consider them for the practice squad as they should not let them wander off to another team.
Read more: Jalen Hurts and DeVonta Smith can't stop gushing over Eagles defender at camp
August is still in the early part of the month, but the writing might be on the wall for Cooks and Cooper.