Naomi Feinstein
2 min read • August 04, 2022
Posted in
2021 record: 9-8 | 2022 FanDuel O/U win total: 9.5
The Eagles are entering year two with quarterback Jalen Hurts under center. The team opened camp in clear support of their quarterback: newly acquired wide reciver A.J. Brown donned a “Hurts Szn” hat and head coach Nick Sirianni wore a t-shirt with the face of his quarterback on it.
Hurts returns his year without any of the ankle issues that hindered his mobility last season. His running back Miles Sanders is also returning healthy, ready to prove he is worth a long-term deal from the organization. He is running behind the No. 1 offensive line in the league, according to Pro Football Focus.
The offensive line includes a younger, healthier group with Brandon Brooks retiring in this offseason. Lane Johnson missed three games last season with anxiety and depression, but has no other significant health concerns. He is still widely considered a top tackle in the NFL. He is joined by 2021 second round pick Landon Dickerson who is now two years recovered from his ACL injury while at Alabama.
Brown is joining a young wide receiver corps of former tenth overall pick DeVonta Smith, Quez Watkins, Zach Pascal and Jalen Reagor – who has impressed during the first week of camp.
34-year-old Brandon Graham is back at training camp as a full-go since his Week 2 tearing his left Achilles tendon. He may not look his usual self the beginning of the season but has the potential to be at full strength towards the latter half. The injury is not on his push-off leg, which makes it a faster recovery for the pass-rusher.
The defense added former Georgia linebacker Nakobe Dean in the draft after he slipped into the third round because of injury concerns. The pectoral strain that scared off teams may impact the rookie. Because he did not opt for surgery, the pec has the potential to be an issue for tackling. Dean reported the injury did not limit him in OTAs or minicamp though Week 1 tackling is different than offseason tackling. Dean joins a young Eagles defense.
It should be a healthy year for the fifth-year running back despite missing five games last season. The broken hand and right ankle injury do not worry the Docs as he is entering a contract year. Sanders’ running load should increase with the Eagles having a more balanced attack between the running back and the team’s explosive receivers.
The 25-year-old star missed five games last season because of hamstring and chest injuries. None are expected to impact him in his first season with the Eagles. The question is the durability of Brown’s knees. He could be developing osteoarthritis, or wear-and-tear arthritis, considering he underwent procedures on both of his knees during the 2021 offseason. There is no indication that is slowing him down, but it can in the future.
Offensive lineman Isaac Semualo is fully recovered from his Week 3 Lisfranc foot injury and is full participant at training camp. He is taking over the right guard spot on the offensive line, which allows the 28-year-old to put less pressure on his right foot. Johnson has been plagued by ankle injuries while he also battled anxiety and depression. The Pro Football Docs are optimistic Johnson will be healthy for this season with the ankle injuries and mental health issues hopefully behind him. His score is lower than a 90 because there is always that risk for Johnson to miss a game or two.
Written by Naomi Feinstein
AJ Brown said he is big on showing love Loved seeing Sirianni in a Hurts shirt today. Had on the “Hurts Szn” hat to let everyone know it’s Hurt’s time #Eagles
