Overview
- Saquon Barkley told reporters Thursday that he “hates joint practices,” saying one day is sufficient and that extra pushing and shoving often becomes immature and risky for players.
- Thursday’s second Eagles‑Patriots session featured multiple scrums and coach interventions, with players and observers saying the disruptions harmed practice flow and the Eagles’ run-game rhythm.
- The NFL earlier fined the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints $500,000 each for a fight-filled joint practice, and the league’s Competition Committee sent clubs a memo stressing professionalism and sportsmanship.
- Coaches such as Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio defended joint sessions as valuable for teaching, getting unscouted looks and evaluating players against different schemes.
- The debate now centers on balancing evaluation benefits against injury and conduct risks, with players urging shorter or stricter joint practices and the league signaling it will enforce standards going forward.