The Philadelphia Eagles open training camp on July 26 at the NovaCare Complex in South Philly. Here’s a closer look at their camp:
Top storyline: Carson Wentz versus the clock. Wentz's progress in his recovery from a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee was obvious during spring workouts. He showed decent mobility and was able to take part in a good portion of practice, including seven-on-sevens by the time the Eagles reached minicamp. "I think the biggest thing right now is just keep pushing along until I'm cleared [for contact]," Wentz said. "As you see out here I'm doing quite a bit. Obviously the biggest, last hurdle is going to be the contact part." That could come at some point this summer for Wentz, who continues to target Week 1 for his return. His health remains the most important factor as the Super Bowl champs turn their attention to the 2018 season.
QB depth chart: Fortunately for the Eagles, they have Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles at the ready if Wentz is unable to go. The team reworked Foles' contract to reward him if he sees action this season. The new deal includes $14 million worth of incentives. The coaching staff also is high on No. 3 Nate Sudfeld, the third-year QB out of Indiana. They believe he has starter potential. So the Eagles are in pretty good shape at QB.
Bubble watch: Running back is going to be an interesting position to watch during camp. Jay Ajayi, Corey Clement and Darren Sproles occupy the first three spots. After that, there's a cluster of players including Wendell Smallwood, Donnel Pumphrey, Matt Jones and Notre Dame rookie Josh Adams fighting for a spot. Wide receiver offers similar intrigue, with veteran Markus Wheaton competing with younger players such as Shelton Gibson, Greg Ward and Bryce Treggs for a place on the 53-man roster.
This rookie could start: Tight end Dallas Goedert isn't in line to take over the No. 1 tight end role -- that belongs securely to Zach Ertz. But there's a good chance he'll have a role in this offense if the promise he showed this spring carries through the summer and into the fall. The second-round pick was a big-time playmaker at South Dakota State, and showed off his soft hands and ability to separate during OTAs. At 6-foot-4, 260 pounds, he could be another red-zone option for Wentz.
Key players on the mend: Besides Wentz, there are a host of Eagles players recovering from injury. DE Brandon Graham (ankle), WR Alshon Jeffery (shoulder) and DT Tim Jernigan (back) are among those who weren't able to practice this spring. Sproles (ACL), LB Jordan Hicks (Achilles) and LT Jason Peters (ACL, MCL) are all coming off season-ending surgery. Lots to monitor here.
Trade(s) in the cards?: Executive VP of football operations Howie Roseman does not believe roster building is restricted to free agency and the draft. He likes to wheel and deal as much as any GM in the league. Last August, he traded WR Jordan Matthews and a third-round pick to the Buffalo Bills for CB Ronald Darby. Interestingly enough, there's been trade buzz around Darby this offseason. Would they be willing to part with Foles if a QB-hungry team came calling, like the Vikings did a couple years back for Sam Bradford? As with most anything, it all comes down to the offer.