Something feels slightly off-kilter down at the NovaCare Complex. That familiar, explosive energy humming through Eagles camp? It’s missing a vital spark. The high-octane offense just isn't purring right now. It’s that pre-season itch that raises concerns.
A.J. Brown, the Eagles' undisputed WR1 and Jalen Hurts' top target, is sidelined again.
His hamstring issue, supposedly minor, flared up after limited returns on August 10th and 12th. Consequently, Brown landed back on the "Will Not Practice" list for August 13th. This recurring absence throws a wrench into the offense's crucial tune-up. Furthermore, the offensive line picture got murkier.
Pro Bowl guard Landon Dickerson (knee) joined Brown on the sidelines. Brett Toth, a practice squad veteran, now anchors the crucial left guard spot against Cleveland’s fierce interior.
Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo stressed the importance of these joint sessions, aiming to "run it like a game as best we can." However, without Brown and Dickerson, achieving that smooth operation feels tougher. Can Hurts find his rhythm missing his primary weapon?
No practice for AJ Brown today. He’s missed about a week with a hamstring injury pic.twitter.com/nDmFIkXwQm
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) August 13, 2025
The joint practices with Cleveland are vital controlled chaos. They offer real competition without preseason game risks. Eagles tackles Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata faced Myles Garrett’s relentless rush. Unfortunately, Garrett beat Mailata for a sack during drills, highlighting ongoing protection worries.
Hurts also coughed up a fumble on a bad exchange. Meanwhile, rookie Johnny Wilson shined with a deep sideline catch. But Brown’s lingering hamstring problem overshadows the bright spots. His history of playing through pain—like getting his knee drained twice weekly last season—is legendary. But right now, his health is the Eagles' biggest preseason headache.
#Eagles PRACTICE REPORT
WILL NOT PRACTICE
AJ Brown - hamstring
Elijah Cooks - shoulder
Landon Dickerson - knee
Kenyon Green - shoulder
LIMITED
Zack Baun - back
Gabe Hall - shoulder
Myles Hinton - ankle
Montrell Johnson - hamstring
Byron Young - groin
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) August 13, 2025
Now, switching focus to Cleveland, another intriguing story unfolds under the Philly summer sun.
Sanders' Snub Complicates Stefanski's QB Drama
Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders electrified in his preseason debut against the Carolina Panthers. He completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and 2 touchdowns against Carolina. Despite this, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski is playing it weird. Or perhaps, disrespectful?
Stefanski confirmed veteran Joe Flacco gets "the cast majority of first-team reps" against the Eagles. Sanders' role remains unclear. “Joe is the same guy every single day,”Stefanski stated, praising Flacco's consistency. Sanders, meanwhile, watched Tyler Huntley take second-team reps before him during the Eagles' practice.
This baffling pecking order persists, even after Sanders' impressive performance. Why isn't the hot hand getting more burn?
Unless Shedeur Sanders is injured, there’s no logical explanation for how the Browns are handling these quarterback reps.
— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) August 13, 2025
The Browns' QB situation feels like stubborn front-office politics. Flacco, 40, and Kenny Pickett (hamstring) sit atop the depth chart. Dillon Gabriel (hamstring) is also sidelined. Sanders, despite outperforming expectations as a fifth-rounder, remains fourth-string. But Stefanski rotates all QBs with the first team in camp.
Sanders hasn’t looked overmatched. If Flacco and Pickett sit Saturday, Sanders should get significant Eagles defensive snaps. This is his golden chance to prove the doubters wrong again. Will the Browns finally acknowledge his talent?
Back in Eagles land, the spotlight stays fixed on Brown. His hamstring recovery timeline is critical. Philadelphia needs its star receiver fully operational for Week 1. Similarly, the makeshift offensive line, especially Toth holding the fort, must solidify quickly.
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The joint practices exposed vulnerabilities needing urgent fixes. As for Sanders, his journey echoes a broader NFL truth. Opportunity is everything. Sometimes, the most compelling stories aren't about the established stars but the hungry talent demanding notice.