Hurts and Eagles offense show uneven day

An unsettled day at NovaCare exposes depth questions and early-season hurdles for the Eagles as they split reps with the Browns.

Hurts and Eagles offense show uneven day in joint practice with Browns

Day 14 of Philadelphia's training camp was the first of two joint practices with the Cleveland Browns at NovaCare. A.J. Brown sat out despite being a limited participant in the previous workouts, and Landon Dickerson underwent knee surgery, leaving the first unit thinner than planned. Elijah Cooks and Kenyon Green were also out with shoulder issues, while several players were limited. The absence of Brown and Dickerson helped frame the practice as a test of depth rather than a showcase of star power. The session featured a mix of seven-on-seven and team drills, with the defense pressing the offense and the sidelines buzzing with competitive energy.

On the field, the line battles drew the eye. Lane Johnson matched up with Myles Garrett in one-on-ones, and Garrett flashed an inside move that gave the tackle trouble at times, though Johnson also had moments of control later in the day. Tyler Steen showed progress at right guard, holding his own against Browns tackles and earning praise for a couple of strong reps. The Browns defense, led by Jim Schwartz, mixed looks and pressure, while Azeez Ojulari and Joshua Uche supplied rushes that tested the Eagles' edge protection. Hurts had an up-and-down day, with early incompletions and an interception, then short stretches of productive plays and a late sequence that drifted into turnover territory. The day also highlighted the rookie cornerback mix, with Kelee Ringo showing flashes but also lapses, and Jakorian Bennett delivering several tight covers before a late penalty flag added to the grind. The practice concluded with a sense that both teams used the tempo to push players into uncomfortable situations, and that the real verdicts will come when the pads stay on and the reps accumulate.

This practice day underscores two realities for the Eagles this season: growth under pressure and the importance of depth. With Brown and Dickerson sidelined, the offense could not show its full rhythm, making it easier for the Browns to stack the box and challenge the timing routes. The defense responded in kind, with Vic Fangio’s scheme stressing disruption and communication, and with veterans and newcomers alike showing they can win moments in the trenches. The day also tests the roster beyond the starting unit, where young corners and edge players must prove they can contribute when the stakes feel real. In these joint sessions, the line between talent and execution narrows fast and reveals where a contender must improve to avoid season-long miscommunications.

Looking ahead, the Eagles appear to be evaluating depth at guard, cornerback, and receiver while preserving the health of key players. The Browns used the session to prove that they can push the defending champions, a reminder that every win in August has to translate into more reliable performance in September. If the football calendar is a long human story, this practice was a chapter about accountability, choosing grit over comfort, and the slow grind of turning potential into consistency.

Highlights

The next joint practice will reveal if the early struggles sharpen into tangible progress