Philadelphia

Eagles

Smith has turned heads in training camp with downfield grabs from Jalen Hurts in the team’s new Kellen Moore-coached offense. A.J. Brown told reporters “nobody has been able to cover DeVonta all camp” and head coach Nick Sirianni complimented Smith’s physical conditioning entering training camp. About 20 percent of Smith’s 2023 targets were at least 20 yards downfield; he caught 10 of 22 deep balls for 356 yards and four touchdowns. Brown saw 27 downfield looks from Hurts last season. Smith should continue serving as the 1B option to Brown’s 1A in 2024.

The oft-injured Campbell, who has managed to play just 44 games in five NFL seasons, sustained a groin injury last week and has been held out since. Rookie WR Johnny Wilson has taken on first-team reps with Campbell sidelined. The big-framed Wilson has flashed in limited opportunities during training camp and seems to have a path to three-receiver sets this season. Rotoworld’s Denny Carter wrote about Wilson’s target-commanding profile as a receiver at Florida State.

The report comes from Inside The Birds reporter Andrew DiCecco, who notes Wilson “continued to look more comfortable” in the role. The 6-foot-6, 231-pound Wilson averaged 2.90 yards per route run across his two seasons at Florida State. He profiles as a size-speed-matchup nightmare when lined up against slot cornerbacks and safeties.

Brown suffered a torn ACL in Week 18, so a return before Week 1 would be surprising. When asked by a reporter if Sirianni expected Brown to return at some point in the preseason, Sirianni said it wouldn’t be fair to put a timeline on Brown’s return, given the nature of his injury. In his first season as a pro, Brown started six of the 14 games he appeared in, totaling 45 tackles, one forced fumble, and an interception he returned 99 yards for a score. He’ll likely open the year on injured reserve, making him a candidate to return after the first month of the season.

Goodrich signed with the Eagles after going undrafted in 2022. He spent his first year in the league on Philly’s practice squad and appeared in four games last year, one of which was credited as a start. He totaled five tackles while playing a mix of special teams and slot corner. Goodrich will be fighting for a roster spot in Giants camp this summer.

It was reported Tuesday that Shipley was working with the first-team offense in the red zone. Eagles beat writers have said the rookie has shown explosiveness and pass-catching chops during training camp, and worked as the team’s lead back when Barkley was held out of practice on Monday. Shipley, who had 1,182 rushing yards and 15 scores at Clemson in 2022, could start the season as Philly’s No. 2 backfield option, and might see lead back duties should Barkley, 27, miss time in 2024.

Steen is projected to start at right guard for the Eagles this season. The second-year player reportedly injured his ankle at Saturday’s practice and will miss a few days with the injury. Former No. 11 overall pick Mekhi Becton, who is hoping to break camp with the Eagles this offseason, is expected to see some work in place of Steen, which could go a long way in determining whether or not he lands on the 53-man roster.

Moore also listed presumed backup Kenneth Gainwell and rookie Will Shipley as players that could be deployed in various areas of the formation, adding “that will be a huge advantage for us.” Moore described the offense as requiring an outlet for the quarterback underneath, an area of the field that all three backs can help “create horizontal space, and every once in a while, get them vertical.” Moore’s previous offenses have harbored running back production through the air, something that could help offset the potential for decreased total touchdowns from the position considering the presence of quarterback Jalen Hurts and the famed “tush push” when close to the goal line. The fact that Moore also mentioned Gainwell and Shipley when discussing the utilization of running backs in the pass game places a theoretical cap on the weekly upside of his starter, returning a weekly range of outcomes that should be more condensed about Barkley’s median expectation.

Saquon Barkley managers need not panic. The Eagles didn’t sign Barkley to a three-year, $37.750 million contract to play him behind Gainwell. Instead, these early reps should serve as a reminder that, for now, Gainwell is the preferred option as Barkley’s backup, giving him some value as a late-round handcuff in fantasy. We’re barely through the first week of camp, and a lot can change over the next several weeks. Gainwell is the longest-tenured Eagles back and will presumably work ahead of rookie Will Shipley until Shipley gets acclimated to the offense.

The Eagles signed Campbell to a one-year deal in the offseason after letting Quez Watkins and Julio Jones walk in free agency. Watkins was signed by the Steelers while Jones remains a free agent. Philly also selected wide receivers Johnny Wilson and Ainias Smith on Day Three of the draft. They took a lot of dart throws on potential third receivers and Campbell appears to have the inside track to that role at the beginning of camp. Redraft managers don’t need to worry about this camp battle, but Best Ball drafters could consider Campbell as a final-round gamble if he continues to run with the starters.