Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Makai Lemon (9) looks on during training camp at Jefferson Health Training Complex.
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The Philadelphia Eagles are dealing with a lot of turnover in their wide receiver room this offseason after trading away A.J. Brown and drafting Makai Lemon in the first round of the NFL Draft. Now, DeVonta Smith is slated to step in a the new No. 1 wideout in the Philadelphia offense, and the Eagles are hoping that Lemon can be the second target for Jalen Hurts and company.
Unfortunately, Lemon's time in Philly isn't off to a great start. The former USC star has been dealing with injuries all offseason, including a hamstring injury that has limited his participation at training camp.
These injuries, and the subsequent effect of Lemon not being able to get acclimated in the Eagles' offense, has led to some panic about the pick. However, general manager Howie Roseman assured that there's no reason to be alarmed on a recent episode of the Up and Adams Show with Kay Adams.
I think all you Eagles fans need to hear this. Don't freak out about Makai Lemon. https://t.co/B4AHXk9O29
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) August 8, 2026
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“I reminded him of a rookie who was banged up in training camp a couple of years ago, his name was Cooper DeJean,” Roseman said. “He didn't play until our third preseason game, he didn't practice until then. He got hurt, he was hurt through the draft process, got hurt during our minicamps, and just turned out to have a phenomenal rookie season. So, it is a marathon this season and so many things are gonna happen.
“For us, just keeping our head in it and understanding for Makai, first game and last game. Let's make sure that he's in a great spot to play well in the first game and the last game, and can contribute to this team because we're gonna need him.”
Lemon was one of the most productive receivers in all of college football last season and ended up taking home the Biletnikoff Award as the best wide receiver in the country, so the pedigree is there. If he gets healthy before the start of the regular season, there is plenty of optimism that this negative camp buzz could quickly be in the past.