Iggles Blitz

by Tommy Lawlor

The Open Practice

Posted August 26th, 2026 | 1 Comment »

The Eagles held an open practice at The Linc on Tuesday evening. Based on everything we heard, the defense won the session. There were some offensive highlights as well. Thankfully there were no major injuries (some of us will always associate Stewart Bradley with these practices).

There were some issues. Jordan Davis hurt his arm/wrist and sat out for a while. He did return to action. Lane Johnson left the field, but stood on the sideline afterward so that was a god sign. You don’t to lose Lane. Landon Dickerson sat out with this designated as a rest day for him.

Jeff McLane has an update on Eli Stowers and his hamstring injury.

Eli Stowers missed a second straight practice with a hamstring injury that he suffered in the second preseason game against the Patriots. The rookie tight end is expected to be out for about two weeks, from what I understand. If he’s healthy by the Wednesday before Week 1 of the regular season, he could be available for the season opener.

It doesn’t sound like he’s an IR candidate based on this timeline.

Markel Bell missed practice with leg/thumb issues. That meant Fred Johnson took over at RT when Lane went out. Jalyx Hunt ate his lunch and gave the offense fits. Moro Ojomo had multiple sacks and was disruptive.

Riq Woolen had 2 INTs, including this pick-six.

That is an impressive play from the new corner. He has good ball skills and should make his share of plays this season.

Jalen Hurts and the offense did have some good moments.

There is some good creativity in the passing game. You had Saquon scoring on the wheel route. And the Makai lining up in the backfield and confusing the defense. That left him wide open for his own TD. We’ve heard a lot about Lemon being a player that will move around and be used creatively. It was cool to see this in action.

Here was another interesting nugget.

I do like Sean Mannion’s creativity so far.

A couple of veteran receivers made plays.

DeVonta Smith had a good overall showing and made his presence felt. The passing game is much better when he’s on the field. Smitty is a difference-maker. He is poised to have a monster year.

The offense was a mixed bag. There were plenty of mistakes made by a variety of players. Hurts threw the INTs. There were some dropped passes. The blocking was erratic with Lane out. We know the offense is going to have ups and downs as they get used to the new system and there are new players learning to play together. I’m more encouraged by what went right than discouraged by what went wrong. Mistakes can be fixed. It is good for the players to get a taste of success and to see what things look like when they do execute properly. We also have to remember that the offense is going up against one of the best defenses in the league. That isn’t an easy group to learn against.

Makai Lemon got some reps as the punt returner and could take on that role. It doesn’t feel like Elijah Moore will make the roster. Britain Covey will likely start the season on the PS. It would be great if Lemon could handle that role.

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