Eagles Joint Practice Day 1: Browns Visit Brings Heat, Drama, and Some Questionable Decisions

Well, well, well. The Eagles rolled out the welcome mat for the Cleveland Browns on a steamy August afternoon, and what we got was 1 hour and 45 minutes of football that left more questions than answers. Sure, joint practices are supposed to be these magical team-building exercises where everyone learns and grows together.

The NovaCare Complex was buzzing with former Eagles legends like Jason Kelce, Fletcher Cox, and Brandon Graham showing up to watch their old squad work. Even Malcolm Jenkins was there with his camera, apparently adding “aspiring photographer” to his post-retirement resume. Because nothing says “I miss football” quite like documenting other people playing the sport you used to dominate.

Eagles Injury Report Creates More Questions Than a Philosophy Class

Let’s start with the elephant in the room – or should I say, the missing eagles from the nest. A.J. Brown sat out with a hamstring injury, which is either precautionary genius or concerning depending on how you want to spin it. The Eagles are treating their All-Pro receiver like fine china, which makes sense when you remember what happened the last time they rushed someone back from injury.

Lane Johnson decided to take a mid-practice vacation, which the team called “part of the plan.” Right. Because nothing screams “strategic planning” like your franchise right tackle suddenly needing a breather during important practice reps of the week. Matt Pryor stepped in, and let’s just say the drop-off was noticeable enough that Browns pass rushers were probably licking their chops.

The injury list reads like a medical textbook: Landon Dickerson (knee surgery), Kenyon Green (shoulder), Elijah Cooks (shoulder), and a handful of others listed as “limited.” Brett Toth stepped up to fill Dickerson’s spot at left guard, and while he’s no Pro Bowler, he didn’t embarrass himself either.

Shedeur Sanders Gets the Celebrity Treatment (From the Bench)

Here’s where things get spicy. Shedeur Sanders, the fifth-round pick who was supposed to be Cleveland’s project quarterback, didn’t take a single snap. Not one. The Browns initially played it off like he was just being eased in, but then – surprise! – turns out he had an abdominal injury. How convenient. Nothing builds confidence in your draft pick quite like him being too hurt to throw a football during the most basic practice scenarios.

But when you’re watching Shedeur Sanders planted on the sideline like a potted plant while Tyler Huntley gets third-team reps, you start wondering if someone in Cleveland’s front office is having second thoughts about their draft strategy. Welcome to another chapter in the never-ending soap opera that is NFL training camp, where logic goes to die and overreactions are born.

Meanwhile, Kenny Pickett made his triumphant return to South Philadelphia for the first time since being traded after the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory. The irony was thick enough to cut with a butter knife – here’s a guy who couldn’t crack the Eagles’ quarterback rotation, now running second-team offense for a Browns squad that can’t figure out who should be taking snaps behind Joe Flacco.

Johnny Wilson Makes His Case While Others Stumble

The 6-foot-6 receiver Johnny Wilson had himself a day, and not just because he towers over defensive backs like a skyscraper over mobile homes. Wilson hauled in a jump ball from Jalen Hurts against Cameron Mitchell, then followed it up with a crushing block on a screen pass that would make offensive line coaches weep tears of joy.

This is what the Eagles have been missing – a big-bodied receiver who can not only catch contested balls but also erase defenders when the play calls for it. Wilson might not be a household name yet, but performances like this are how roster bubbles get burst in other players’ favor.

On the flip side, cornerback Jakorian Bennett struggled mightily during this opportunity. The former Raiders defender was brought in to push for the No. 2 cornerback spot, but if this practice was any indication, he might be pushing for a spot on someone else’s practice squad instead.

Myles Garrett Reminds Everyone Why He’s Elite

In what can only be described as a humbling moment, Myles Garrett absolutely demolished Lane Johnson in their first one-on-one rep. We’re talking about a veteran All-Pro tackle getting beaten so badly that observers were left speechless. Garrett’s inside move was so quick and devastating that Johnson barely got a hand on him. Johnson, however, did win the next 1v1 rep between the two of them.

Now, before Eagles fans start planning funeral services for their offensive line, remember that one-on-ones in practice are different animals than game situations. But still, when a defensive end makes your franchise tackle look like a traffic cone, that’s worth noting in permanent marker.

Defensive Depth Chart Shuffle Continues

The Eagles’ defensive rotation continues to be more fluid than a physics experiment. Adoree Jackson got first-team cornerback reps alongside Quinyon Mitchell, while Sydney Brown lined up at safety next to Reed Blankenship, with Andrew Makuba also getting some reps. Zack Baun made his return from a back injury, sliding right back into the linebacker rotation like he never left.

Josh Uche continues to make a strong case for that third edge rusher spot, outplaying Azeez Ojulari consistently throughout camp. Sometimes the best moves are the ones that don’t make headlines during free agency, and Uche’s signing is looking more brilliant by the day.

It wasn’t the best day for Keele Ringo and Jakorian Bennett in the CB2 battle as both guys struggled in the reps they received, with Ringo committing two penalties, although one was a (BS Call) according to NBC Philadelphia’s Reuben Frank, while also allowing a touchdown to Dionte Johnson. Meanwhile, Bennett also has his ups and downs as briefly mentioned earlier, with most of the struggles occurring in the team drills, with allowing a touchdown and committing a DPI.

The Real Winners and Losers

When the dust settled and the sweaty jerseys were peeled off, this practice felt more like a fact-finding mission than a competition. The Eagles’ offense showed flashes of brilliance mixed with concerning moments of vulnerability. Jalen Hurts connected with DeVonta Smith for a touchdown in red zone work, reminding everyone that when healthy, this passing attack can be special.

Another winner for the Eagles is Jalen Carter, as he knocked down a pass from Flacco in Team Drills. Carter had five knockdowns, which was fourth in the league last season.

The Browns, meanwhile, looked like a team still figuring out its identity. Joe Flacco ran the first team like a seasoned veteran, but the quarterback depth behind him remains a legitimate concern. When your fifth-round rookie can’t even get practice reps due to mysterious abdominal issues, that’s not exactly inspiring confidence in your developmental pipeline.

Joint practices are supposed to be about preparation and evaluation, but sometimes they reveal more about an organization’s decision-making process than actual football ability. The Browns’ handling of Sanders, the Eagles’ cautious approach with their stars, and the ongoing position battles all paint pictures of teams still searching for their final form.

With one more joint practice before Saturday’s preseason game, both teams have another chance to answer questions or create new ones. Based on Day One, smart money says we’re getting more questions.