Five practices into training camp, the Eagles are already dealing with the kind of wide receiver problem that can warp everything else on offense.
That’s why Brandon Hayes is back in the building.
Philadelphia signed Hayes on Wednesday before its sixth practice, a move driven by necessity more than anything else. The receiver room has been hit hard early in camp, and the Eagles needed another body to help get through reps.
DeVonta Smith is sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Makai Lemon is out as well. Neither injury is considered long term, but neither player is practicing right now. Britain Covey is also dealing with a hamstring injury, which leaves three of the top six receivers in camp unavailable.
That’s a real issue, no matter how early it is on the calendar. It’s still the first week of August, but the Eagles need healthy wideouts on the field just to keep practice moving.
The missing pieces matter even more when you look at the depth chart. Without Smith and Lemon, the Eagles are missing two of their top three receivers.
Covey’s absence also takes away a dependable pass catcher from the second unit. He’s competing with Darius Cooper for a roster spot and could still stick because of his punt-return ability and his chemistry with Jalen Hurts.
With those three out, the top of the receiver rotation has been forced into a different shape. Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown, and Darius Cooper are functioning as the first-team group, while second-team players are being pushed into bigger roles.
Even Quez Watkins is getting first-team reps. Elijah Moore and Johnny Wilson are seeing extended work at the position, with Moore getting more of a look in particular. Behind them are Danny Gray, Samori Toure, and Erik Ezukanma.
That’s the backdrop for Hayes’ return. The Eagles needed depth, and they needed it now.
Hayes was in rookie minicamp with the Eagles on a tryout basis before ultimately signing to the 90-man roster. He was released in early June before mandatory minicamp, but there is still some intrigue there.
He was a first-team All-Southland Conference selection as a kick returner in each of the last two seasons, and his 30.7-yard kickoff return average ranked third in the FCS. He was also one of only five players in the FCS to record multiple kickoff return touchdowns last season.
For now, though, the bigger point is simple: this is about getting through practice. The Eagles need someone available to catch passes while Smith, Lemon, and Covey are out, and hamstring injuries have to be handled carefully.
How long Hayes stays in Philadelphia may not matter much. Right now, he fills a need, and that alone makes the move worthwhile. There’s also a chance he gets preseason tape, since the Eagles are set to play the Ravens next Saturday.
For an offense already trying to sort itself out in camp, the receiver injuries are forcing the issue fast.
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