Philadelphia Eagles 2026 Training Camp: Early Winners and Losers After 5 Practices

Quick Context: The Eagles are just five practices into their 2026 training camp. It’s way too early for final grades, but we’re already seeing who’s turning heads — and who’s raising concerns.

What Is Training Camp Anyway? (ELI5 Version)

Think of training camp like preseason boot camp for NFL teams. Before the real games start, players:

• Practice together every day
• Compete for starting spots and roster spots
• Learn new plays and get in game shape
• Show coaches what they can do

Reporters (like Jimmy Kempski from PhillyVoice) watch every practice and tell us who looks great and who looks… not so great.

Stock Up : Players Rising Fast

These five players have been the early stars of camp.

1. EDGE Jalyx Hunt — The Safety-Turned-Pass-Rusher

• Background: He played safety (a defensive back who covers receivers) in college — super rare for an edge rusher!
• What’s new: Added muscle without losing speed — actually looks faster
• Why it matters: He can cover receivers and rush the quarterback. Double threat!
• Camp buzz: "Obvious standout on the edge" all week

2. iDL Jalen Carter — The Human Tornado

• Who he is: Arguably the most talented player on the entire team
• 2024: Played like a superstar
• 2025: Struggled — shoulder injuries held him back
• 2026 camp: Healthy shoulders = dominance. Tossing offensive linemen aside, living in the backfield
• Simple translation: He’s back to being unblockable

3. RB Tank Bigsby — The Energy Guy

• 2025: Underused in his first Eagles season
• 2026 camp: Getting tons of carries + targets in the passing game
• Eye test: Looks fast, plays with infectious energy — "fun to watch"
• Prediction: Way more snaps coming his way this season

4. WR Dontayvion Wicks — The New No. 2 Receiver

• Context: DeVonta Smith is the clear No. 1 receiver
• Wicks’ case: Separated from the pack early as the clear No. 2
• Three things he does well:
  1. Runs crisp routes
  2. Blocks his butt off (rare for receivers!)
  3. Reliable hands — this was a problem in Green Bay, fixed so far
• Eagles reaction: "Very happy with what they’ve seen"

5. EDGE Joshua Weru — The Kenyan Speed Demon

• Background: International Pathway Program (IPP) rookie from Kenya — brand new to football!
• What’s special: Explosive speed around the edge + already developing counter moves
• Highlight: Showed an impressive "speed-to-power" move on Hollin Pierce Tuesday
• Note: More hyped IPP prospect is Uar Bernard, but Weru has shown way more so far

Stock Down : Players With Early Concerns

These five players have had rough starts to camp.

1. WR Makai Lemon — The Injury Bug

• Status: Rookie (so be patient… but)
• Problem: Hamstring injuries — missed half of spring practices, now hurt again 4 practices into camp
• Before injury: Was "quiet" in first 3 practices
• Big fall: Entered camp as favorite for 2nd-most targets → not anymore

2. TE Eli Stowers — The Silent Treatment

• Same boat as Lemon: "Every bit as quiet"
• No injuries reported — just not showing up on the radar

3. iDL Ty Robinson — Stuck in Development

• Draft status: Early 4th-round pick last year (high investment)
• Current reality: Most reps with the developmental unit (practice squad / younger guys)
• Translation: Not ready for prime time yet

4. RB Will Shipley — Falling Down the Depth Chart

• 2025 camp: Presumed RB2 (backup running back)
• 2026 camp: Out-repped "by a mile" by Bigsby
• Lowlight: Dropped a wide-open wheel route (pass to a running back running toward sideline)
• New pressure: Now fighting off guys behind him like Dameon Pierce (who looks decent)

5. QB Tanner McKee — Losing the QB2 Battle

• Previous take: Writer thought Eagles were crazy to even have a QB2 competition — McKee seemed clearly better than veteran Andy Dalton
• Camp reality: Dalton has outplayed McKee so far
• Result: Dalton getting more 2nd-team reps
• Writer’s reaction: "I may have to walk back previous criticism"

IMPORTANT CALLOUT: It’s Only 5 Practices!

• Rookies (Lemon, Stowers, Weru) need time — don’t panic yet
• Injuries change everything (Lemon’s hamstrings, Carter’s shoulders)
• Depth chart movement is fluid — Shipley can bounce back
• QB2 battle just started — plenty of time for McKee to respond
• Real games are what ultimately matter

Summary: The Big Picture After Week 1

Bottom line: Good problems on defense (too many pass rushers!), clarifying picture on offense, and a few red flags to monitor.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

What does "EDGE" and "iDL" mean?

EDGE = Edge rusher (lines up on the end of the defensive line, job is to rush the QB or set the edge against runs).
iDL = Interior Defensive Lineman (lines up inside, job is to clog running lanes and push the pocket from the middle).

What’s the International Pathway Program (IPP)?

The NFL’s program to find athletic talent from other countries who didn’t play American football growing up. They get a roster exemption (don’t count against the 53-man limit) to develop.

What’s a "wheel route"?

A running back runs toward the sideline, then turns upfield — like a wheel turning. It’s designed to get them wide open against linebackers. Dropping it is a big no-no.

Why does "developmental unit" matter for Ty Robinson?

It means he’s practicing with the youngest/least experienced guys — not the starters or primary backups. For a 4th-round pick in Year 2, that’s a bad sign.

Should I worry about Makai Lemon’s hamstrings?

Yes and no. Hamstrings are nagging injuries that love to reoccur. For a rookie trying to learn the offense, missing all this time is a major setback. But he’s talented — if he gets healthy, he can still contribute.

Follow the Coverage

• Jimmy Kempski: @JimmyKempski (Twitter/Threads/Bluesky)
• PhillyVoice: @thephillyvoice
• Facebook: PhillyVoice Sports
• RSS Feed: Jimmy’s Feed

Stay tuned — camp is just getting started!