Eagles training camp notes: Cooper DeJean sees some significant action
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The 13th Philadelphia Eagles practice was no less intriguing than the dozen that preceded it. Those ball-security drills were as intense as always. It rained, so tackling drills looked like they were being performed on a slip-and-slide. We'll take it. As QB1 Jalen Hurts would say, guys are 'keeping the main thing the main thing' and making those daily rent payments.
There was roster movement as a familiar face was re-signed and some of the wounded returned to action. Tyler Hall found his way to the injured reserve while Mekhi Garner was waived with an injury designation.
The Philly media was in attendance for a rainy affair and delivered the goods as always. Here are a few of the highlights that were noticed.
Cooper DeJean takes snaps as the first-team and second-team nickel back. That is just one of several takeaways from practice.
Philly's coaching staff wanted to ease Cooper DeJean back into the swing of things after missing more than three weeks of training camp on-field action. He was activated from the NFI (Non-Football Injury List) on August 13th. Four days later, he took snaps with first-team AND second-team as the nickel corner.
It certainly feels great to have all of this talent at defensive back. Here's more from another great day of action!
Quinyon Mitchell continue to battle.
Saturday was a very physical practice. As has been the case for a while now, Quinyon Mitchell continued to hone his skills versus route runner extraordinaire DeVonta Smith. These two have been testing each other and making one another better.
The defense worked on the blitz a ton.
There were a lot of blitzes thrown at Jalen Hurts and the Eagles' offense today, especially early. It worked. Vic Fangio's guys saw a lot of success early, more so than Philly's offense was seeing.
Mekhi Becton continues to improve.
Jalen Carter is so powerful, man! We've actually seen him throw Mekhi Becton. Keep in mind the fact that Becton stands at six-foot-seven and tips the scales at 363 pounds. Mekhi enjoyed a lot of success in this matchup on Saturday, at one point holding Carter off three straight times during 1-om-1 drills.
Tanner McKee even outplays Kenny Pickett at practice.
Head coach Nick Sirianni stated after the Eagles' preseason win over the New England Patriots that he would stick with Kenny Pickett as his backup quarterback. He reaffirmed that decision before practice but said he liked both guys. Most of the media, fans, and general public seems to disagree with that analysis.
The fact of the matter is, through two preseason games, McKee has earned a passing grade from everyone. Pickett hasn't done that. The scales remained tipped in Tanner's favor at practice. He was more decisive and showcased a faster release while Pickett continued underperforming.
On Saturday, he sailed a throw to a wide-open Will Shipley along the left sideline. There was no pressure. He saw him and had a window. He just missed the throw. Surely, the coaches have to be seeing this.
As you might imagine, the rave reviews have continued.
Tanner McKee with an awesome play vs pressure. Got rid of the ball quick and completed a pass along the sideline
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) August 17, 2024
McKee has been much better than Pickett in practice today. One play, Pickett sailed a pass, on another held too long for a would-be sack. #Eagles
— Martin Frank (@Mfranknfl) August 17, 2024
We'll certainly be tuning in and watching the final preseason game next Saturday.
Check out some of the other highlights from the session.
Head coach Nick Sirianni met with the media before practice. Players spoke with them afterward. Jalyx Hunt's stock continues to rise. That's just one of the other highlights from another spirited practice. Check out some of the day's best moments.
#Eagles wide receivers going through individual drills: pic.twitter.com/LS5Vm98A4V
— EJ Smith (@EJSmith94) August 17, 2024
DB Cooper DeJean is practicing again pic.twitter.com/Rdh8iRE5Sz
— Chris Franklin (@cfranklinnews) August 17, 2024
CJ Gardner-Johnson is back at practice today. pic.twitter.com/LsDH9zx4WI
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) August 17, 2024
Ball security in the rain. pic.twitter.com/R34cIkH2Ov
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) August 17, 2024
Jalen Carter and the other #Eagles DTs working on tackling. pic.twitter.com/AaOg9UahUJ
— cayden steele (@cayden_steele19) August 17, 2024
Jalyx Hunt would have had a sack on Kenny Pickett, who needed to just throw the ball away in 11-on-11s.
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) August 17, 2024
Hunt has had a good practice in 11-on-11s. #Eagles
Jalyx Hunt, in coverage, breaks up Pickett pass for Uzomah. #Eagles
— Martin Frank (@Mfranknfl) August 17, 2024
Here's an idea. How about we all meet up here again on Sunday? Who's on board?
Update: Mekhi Garner reverts to the Eagles' injured reserve after successfully passing through waivers.
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