The Philadelphia Eagles’ preseason has felt like a long rain delay at a ballgame. You can see the players in the dugout. You know the talent is there, but you’re just waiting for the real action to start. The main stars have been spectating, leaving fans to nervously check the radar.
That waiting game might finally be over. On Wednesday, a wave of key players returned to practice, providing a major sigh of relief. Meanwhile, the man steering the ship, Jalen Hurts, has been the picture of calm throughout the entire storm.
When asked about the limited reps with his top weapons, Hurts offered a poised perspective. He stated, “You just, you know, you continue to take it a day at a time. I think given the quality reps that we have had and everyone that's been available, I think we've been getting better and taking steps daily.”
This leadership approach is why Hurts is so revered in the locker room. He continued, “It's been a constant comfort that's been built with everyone, and so, you know, when you have an established foundation with the core that's here, you want to build on those things.” His message is clear: trust the process.
The returns of A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Landon Dickerson are huge. However, the Eagles' depth is now being tested elsewhere. Can the supporting cast step up when it matters most?
The Next Man Up Philosophy
The Eagles’ practice squad is loaded with intriguing prospects. Howie Roseman has stocked it with former high draft picks like guard Kenyon Green and quarterback Kyle McCord. This depth chart is a testament to building a complete 70-man roster. Not just a 53-man one. But some injuries still linger.
Rookie safety Drew Mukuba remained sidelined, forcing the signing of veteran Marcus Epps. The secondary, especially the cornerback spot, remains a question mark. The team signed Ambry Thomas for practice squad depth, highlighting the concern.
New backup quarterback Sam Howell is already cramming for the test.“For me, this is my (fourth) offense that I’ve had to learn in the NFL,”Howell noted. His readiness is crucial with Tanner McKee’s thumb injury. The entire operation requires every piece to be prepared.
The true test comes in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys. All the cautious optimism will mean nothing without a strong start. The league is watching closely to see if the champs are truly whole.
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Come kickoff, the noise at the Linc will rattle pretzels off trays. If Brown, Smith, and Dickerson stay upright, this offense rolls like a classic Mustang on an open road. If not, Hurts still has that same grin and a backup plan in Howell. “Pressure is a privilege,” Billie Jean King once said. Hurts nods and walks back onto the field.