Expected starter and roster hopefuls return to Eagles training camp practice
It never rains in Southern California, but it will drizzle in the City of Brotherly Love from time to time. We were reminded of that during the Philadelphia Eagles' 13th training camp practice. Thankfully, dryer days have followed. We've also seen some of the walking wounded return to provide reinforcements. That included starters, rookies, reserves, and roster hopefuls as guys continue their quest to improve.
Cooper DeJean is back and has been integrated into a few practice sessions with his defensive teammates. There was a scare on Sunday as Mekhi Becton left with an injury, but good news came later as it was reported he would be okay. Thankfully, those reports were accurate.
Mekhi Becton returns to practice as two roster hopefuls also make their return.
Don't be fooled by the discussions about 'this is only training camp' and 'well, the games don't count anyway'. Injuries and practice time reps are monitored just as closely at this juncture of the calendar year as they are when the games begin counting toward the win-loss total.
Trust us on this one. Everyone knows who is practicing and who isn't. Everyone knows who can practice and who can't. Thankfully, some of the guys are returning before the preseason finale.
Matt Hennessy (back), Albert Okwuegbunam (abdomen), John Ross (concussion), Tyler Steen (ankle), Caden Sterns (knee), and Johnny Wilson (concussion) all sat out of practice. Hopefully, they will all be okay. As mentioned, Mekhi Becton's prognosis was right. He exited Sunday's workout with an apparent leg injury but returned for the 15th practice on Tuesday.
Roster hopefuls E.J. Jenkins and Joseph Ngata also returned to work. Both had missed the past two sessions as they recovered from injury after tying for the team lead in receptions versus the New England Patriots last Thursday.
E.J. continues to make his presence felt!
Becton is assured of a job. He has seemingly won the starting right guard position despite spending most of his career at tackle. Ngata and Jenkins still have work to do if they're to make the roster. Both enjoyed good games during Philly's most recent road trip, but that alone won't win them roster spots.