Full pads and sweltering temperatures marked the Philadelphia Eagles' training camp on Tuesday, where players faced the heat head-on.
“Fatigue makes cowards of us all,” Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts declared, encapsulating the team's mindset as they prepared for the upcoming season.
With temperatures soaring, the Eagles adjusted their practice schedule, kicking off earlier to combat the extreme conditions. This marked Day 5 of training camp, a pivotal moment as players donned full pads for the first time.
As the team inches closer to their preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, the focus was clear: establish a strong foundation for the defending Super Bowl LIX champions.
“The last two days have been very challenging from a heat standpoint,” Hurts noted. “Everybody collectively as a group just continues to push through those things. Control what you can. I think this is a good test and measure of where we are right now and where we desire to go.”
That desire is to move forward, with an emphasis on maintaining focus rather than dwelling on past successes.
“Every team meeting, [head coach Nick Sirianni] says we will know what we're expected of, and the biggest thing is toughest and getting in shape,” tight end Harrison Bryant remarked. “Being in this heat and this weather in full pads, that's what we're doing, competing and getting in shape. That's what we did today.”
Players are embracing the challenge, including second-year running back Will Shipley, who expressed his growth in physicality and technique.
“Growing. I think I made strides from last year in terms of physicality, wanting to fill the hole, shooting and punching the hand,” Shipley explained. “Coach [Jemal] Singleton has done a great job with me. I just have to continue to grow, continue to get the reps, continue to get the experience just like everything else in my game and prove to everyone I can do it like I know I can.”
Jason Kelce's presence was felt on the field as he returned to work with the offensive line, sharing insights with younger players like Tyler Steen and Cam Jurgens.
“He's always welcomed here. He's part of us. He's part of our family,” Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland said. “When he has time, I always tell him get over here, help us, help these young players out. They get tired of hearing me sometimes.”
Stoutland further emphasized Kelce's value: “To have a guy like that around and be able to talk to him — [center/guard] Drew Kendall, having a Jason Kelce, Hall of Famer, around to tap his brain. I told him if you let that guy out of here and you haven't asked him a dozen questions, you're crazy.”
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio took a moment during his press conference to honor his favorite Phillies player, Hall of Fame slugger Dick Allen. Fangio led the NFL's top defense last year, guiding the Eagles to victory over the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. This season, he is focused on developing a younger defensive squad.
Rookie linebacker Jihaad Campbell is already making an impression on Fangio. “He's making good strides, and if he can keep making those strides, I think he will be what we hoped he would be,” Fangio stated.
Meanwhile, second-year defensive back Cooper DeJean continued to take practice reps at both cornerback and safety. “We haven't had a ton of base snaps up to this point. I'd like to see him get some more and get him tested,” Fangio added. “I don't know if he's ever been truly tested yet with a hard play.”
For Hurts, each day is an opportunity for improvement. “It's not about maintaining a pace. It's about doing whatever it takes to win, and that's something that evolves from year to year,” said the Super Bowl LIX MVP.
In terms of player availability, wide receiver DeVonta Smith missed his second consecutive practice due to back tightness. Linebacker Zack Baun (lower back contusion) and EDGE rusher Nolan Smith Jr. (concussion) were also sidelined.
The Eagles will not practice on Wednesday but will hold a walkthrough instead.
The team's first preseason game is set for August 7 against the Bengals at Lincoln Financial Field.
