Both Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Jihaad Campbell made a thundering first impression in full pads, literally. With Zack Baun out (back contusion) and Nakobe Dean still rehabbing (patella tendon), Campbell received first-team reps on the weak side while Trotter played in the middle.

The first-round linebacker was ready in time to practice from training camp's start, and he has a clear path to becoming one of the Eagles' starters.

The Eagles felt lucky to land Campbell after moving up just one spot from 32 to 31 in April and it seems obvious that injury concerns pushed Campbell down into their range. But the Eagles cleared him medically and even though they knew he was rehabbing that shoulder, they didn’t expect it to hinder his career-long term.

Two key defensive players were absent from the Eagles' practice with injuries. That comes on the heels of Jalen Carter missing the first few days of camp

Dean will want to start when he comes back after his productive 2024, but Campbell and younger linebacker depth could take away that option in Philly.