Overview
- The Eagles upgraded both DeVonta Smith and rookie Makai Lemon to full participation on Monday and removed them from the team's injury report, returning them to first-team drills.
- Lemon confirmed the hamstring that sidelined him was the same issue from spring, said he feels confident he will be “up to speed” for the Sept. 13 opener, and has been taking extra mental reps with Jalen Hurts and offensive coordinator Sean Mannion.
- Coaches praised Lemon's engagement in meetings and rehab, but multiple outlets and analysts warn that hamstring problems often reoccur and his missed on-field reps leave his short-term development unresolved.
- On-field returns produced modest results in shorts-and-shells work and the open practice, including motion usage and a wheel-route touchdown, but reporters noted a lack of live-game reps that could affect readiness.
- The timing matters for roster decisions because Lemon was a first-round pick expected to help replace A.J. Brown, and the team must balance giving him game reps in the preseason finale against protecting his availability for Week 1.