Eagles fans will receive their only public look at training camp when Philadelphia practices Tuesday night at Lincoln Financial Field. Gates open at 4 p.m., with practice scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. The session comes three days before Philadelphia concludes the preseason against the Cincinnati Bengals and less than a week before the initial 53-man roster must be established.
Here are 10 Eagles to watch during the open practice.
Jalen Hurts
Hurts has not played during Philadelphia’s first two preseason games, making the open practice the best opportunity for fans to evaluate his command of Sean Mannion’s offense. The operation, timing and communication will be more important than individual statistics. Hurts will also have an opportunity to work with a healthier
collection of receivers after spending much of training camp without DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon.
Makai Lemon
Lemon returned as a full participant Monday after missing three weeks with a hamstring injury. The first-round pick immediately rejoined the starting offense alongside Smith and Dontayvion Wicks. Tuesday’s practice should provide a better indication of Lemon’s conditioning, explosiveness and comfort within the offense. His chemistry with Hurts will be one of the evening’s most important developments.
Dontayvion Wicks
Wicks is trending toward opening the season as one of Philadelphia’s top three receivers. He has received significant opportunities throughout camp, particularly while Smith and Lemon were unavailable. The open practice will allow fans to see how Mannion plans to use Wicks when the entire receiving corps is available.
Tanner McKee
McKee strengthened his argument for the backup quarterback job by completing 16 of 22 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns against New England.
Philadelphia has not declared a winner between McKee and Andy Dalton. McKee appears to have the advantage based on preseason production, but every competitive period provides additional evidence for the coaching staff.
Darius Cooper
Cooper has been one of the Eagles’ most consistent training camp performers. He has earned opportunities with Hurts and demonstrated reliable hands, precise route-running, and the ability to make contested catches.
The question is whether Cooper can secure a place in a crowded receiver room. His work on special teams could become as important as anything he does offensively.
Carson Steele
Steele produced 33 rushing yards, six catches for 84 yards and a touchdown against the Patriots. His versatility as a runner, receiver, blocker, and special-teams contributor has strengthened his case for the roster.
Steele is competing with Cameron Latu for a hybrid fullback role. Where he lines up Tuesday — and which special teams units use him — could provide clues about his standing.
Ty Robinson
Robinson has recorded three sacks through two preseason games, including two against New England. His turnaround has been one of Philadelphia’s most encouraging developments.
The second-year defensive tackle has gone from a possible cut candidate to someone making a legitimate push for a place in Vic Fangio’s rotation. Watch which offensive linemen he faces and how frequently he works with the top defensive groups.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Trotter continued his productive summer by recording a sack against New England. His instincts and decisiveness have improved as he enters his third season. Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell sit ahead of him, but Trotter can still earn a rotational defensive role while becoming an important special teams contributor.
Shaun Wade
Wade led the Eagles with 10 tackles against the Patriots and forced a fumble for the second consecutive preseason game.
The veteran cornerback keeps finding the football, but Philadelphia’s crowded secondary makes the roster math difficult. Wade must complement his turnover production with reliable coverage and special teams work.
Jake Elliott
Elliott remains Philadelphia’s unquestioned kicker, but he is attempting to rebound after converting less than 78% of his field-goal attempts in each of the past two seasons. Kicking at Lincoln Financial Field will give Elliott valuable work in his home environment. It will also provide another opportunity to evaluate his operation with holder Braden Mann and rookie long snapper Rocco Underwood. Tuesday’s practice will not determine Philadelphia’s final roster by itself. Still, with the preseason finale and roster cutdown approaching, snap distribution and personnel groupings may reveal as much as any highlight.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 10 Eagles to watch during open practice at Lincoln Financial Field
