Eagles football is finally back.

The team kicked off training camp today with their first practice in front of reporters at the NovaCare Complex. Here are notes from the one-hour session.

Participation Report

DID NOT PRACTICE

• EDGE Haason Reddick — groin

LIMITED

• DE Derek Barnett — knee
• CB Avonte Maddox — toe

The Eagles didn’t have any players on the PUP List to start camp, but they did place WR Devon Allen on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury List. I suspect they’re attempting to “stash” him without using a roster spot.

Haason Reddick sat out of practice with groin soreness but is expected back next week. After not participating in spring OTAs, Avonte Maddox and Derek Barnett both practiced in a limited capacity.

Georgia boys stand out

As if we expected anything different, the Georgia rookies opened some eyes on Wednesday. While running with the second team, No. 9 overall pick Jalen Carter got pressure up the middle against the first-team offense for a would-be sack on Jalen Hurts.

Nolan Smith got first-team reps in red zone drills, beating reserve tackle Jack Driscoll several times on his way to the backfield. He was credited with a sack after throwing TE Brady Russell to the ground, then followed up with pressure on Marcus Mariota to force an INT.

It’s the first practice of camp, without pads at that, but these are encouraging plays from your top rookies. Nick Sirianni noted that all players passed the conditioning test coming into camp, including Carter, who was unable to finish his Pro Day workout in March.

Jason Kelce didn’t want to point any standouts today.

Yet he mentioned Jalen Carter anyway. #Eagles pic.twitter.com/8AgpzfISTC

— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) July 26, 2023

Running back rotation

Sirianni stated ahead of practice that all five running backs will run with the first-team at some point: D’Andre Swift, Rashaad Penny, Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott, and Trey Sermon. Penny got the first carry of camp.

Although the top four are expected to have roles during the season, Sirianni doesn’t seem eager to part ways with Trey Sermon. If Sermon hopes to crack the roster, he’ll have to edge out Boston Scott, as the Eagles likely won’t keep five backs.

New acquisition D’Andre Swift was deployed all over the field — lining up outside, in the slot, and out of the backfield. He was used primarily as a pass-catcher in today’s practice, a trend I expect to continue into the regular season.

Is he ready for a bigger role? pic.twitter.com/5bPe7svp3U

— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) March 20, 2023

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Christian Elliss making noise at linebacker

In theory, the Eagles have two linebacker spots open. One of them is spoken for (Nakobe Dean), the other — not so much. Third-year man Christian Elliss picked up where he left off in OTA’s, reading Mariota perfectly and intercepting him in red zone drills.

Nicholas Morrow’s experience gives him an edge, but Elliss has been a turnover machine in practices. He could push for a starting role if the Eagles don’t add a linebacker in the coming weeks.

Strong day for James Bradberry

Bradberry signed a three-year extension to remain in Philadelphia and looks true to form in camp, breaking up two passes intended for Dallas Goedert. The All-Pro turns 30 next Friday but has shown no signs of decline.

The Eagles will need him with several tough receiver matchups next season.

Jalen Hurts looking sharp

Hurts made some nice throws and didn’t turn the ball over per usual, finding Dallas Goedert in the end zone while rolling to his left. As the ink was drying on Hurts’ $255M extension, Sirianni stated they didn’t ‘pay him more to do less.’ That appears to be true, as Hurts ran the ball quite a bit.

“I know that I am embracing the uniqueness of my game. Just being a triple threat out there. Being someone knowledgeable, understanding what’s going on out there on the field. Being able to make those throws. And being able to cause problems on the ground as well.” — Jalen Hurts following practice

Depth Chart notes

• Cam Jurgens started at RG
• Blankenship and Edmunds started at safety
• First-team DL: Graham, Sweat, Cox, Davis
• Second-team CBs: Greedy Williams, Josh Jobe
• Punt returners: Covey, Ward, Zaccheaus, Watkins

#EaglesCamp is BACK‼️@IBX | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/LBdH8uJS6r

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) July 26, 2023

Mandatory Credit: Getty Images