Week 4 of Eagles training camp opened with a few familiar faces back on the field, and one newcomer finally getting his first real crack at showing what he can do.
Philadelphia welcomed back wide receiver DeVonta Smith and cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean after each had missed time last week with injuries. But the most notable return belonged to rookie seventh-round safety Cole Wisniewski, who practiced for the first time after sitting out the first three weeks with a hamstring injury.
That first session offered a glimpse at where Wisniewski stands in the mix. NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Dave Zangaro noted that the rookie got a first-team rep later in one period, but also made clear that the climb ahead is steep.
"Rookie Cole Wisniewski was able to get on the field for a first-team rep later in one period. Nice to see him back on the field after a long layoff but he has work to do if he wants to make the roster."
Wisniewski entered the conversation with some buzz after the draft, with some comparing him to former Eagles safety Reed Blankenship and believing he could eventually take over that role. Philadelphia used the seventh-round pick on him in the 2026 NFL Draft, and his college tape backed up the intrigue. At Texas Tech last season, he posted 78 tackles, six pass deflections, two forced fumbles, one sack and one fumble recovery across 14 games, starting every game at safety for a Red Raiders defense that was considered one of the best in the country.
The safety picture in Philadelphia is already crowded. Marcus Epps and Michael Carter II have been locked in a battle for one starting job over the last three weeks, while second-year safety Andrew Mukuba is set to start at the other spot.
So Wisniewski’s first day back matters, even if the road is long. The Eagles gave him a look with the first team, which says something. But after losing three weeks of camp, the more immediate question may be whether he can do enough to make the 53-man roster at all.
He brings the kind of traits teams like at safety - smart, instinctive, and productive in college - but the missed time leaves him with real ground to make up. The next two weeks of camp should show just how serious Philadelphia is about giving him a chance.
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Eagles Camp Picture Is Getting Clearer At Wide Receiver
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Smith was back in a helmet and getting in some position work after the hamstring issue that had slowed him, a small but encouraging step for a passing game that still needs its top targets available and sharp. Lemon, meanwhile, stayed out of the full session but kept moving on the side field, running routes and going through the catch circuit as the Eagles continue to monitor a camp picture at wide receiver that is becoming clearer even if it is not settled yet. [Read more 🡒]