Full Breakdown
Makai Lemon Returns to Full Practice as Eagles Gear Up for Season
8/25/2026, 8:24:54 AM
Core Event: Full-Practice Return Highlights Monday’s Session
The Philadelphia Eagles held a shorts-only practice on Monday at the Jefferson Health Training Complex. Rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon, who missed the previous three days with a hamstring strain, participated fully in both 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills, working primarily out of the slot with the first-team offense.
Background & Context
Lemon’s hamstring issue dates back to spring workouts, with a re-injury three weeks later that placed him on the injury report. Prior to Monday, he had been limited to the sidelines while other skill players such as DeVonta Smith and Elijah Moore also returned from injuries. The Eagles entered the practice with several recent preseason injuries across the roster.
Data & Statistics
- Not practicing: Markel Bell, Jakorian Bennett, Grant Calcaterra, Jonathan Jones, Willie Lampkin, Mac McWilliams, Eli Stowers, Ambry Thomas, Quez Watkins, Cole Wisniewski.
- Limited: Danny Gray, John Ojukwu, Dameon Pierce, Byron Young.
- Returned to practice: Elijah Moore, Darius Cooper, Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, Moro Ojomo, Jalyx Hunt.
- Roster moves: Safety J.T. Gray was released; running back Ja’Quinden Jackson was waived/injured after the New England game.
Official Statements & Responses
Lemon told coaches he expects to be ready for the season opener and emphasized the need to be “more professional” off the field to avoid future injuries. The medical staff confirmed the strain is the same one from spring.
On-the-Ground Reports
During the session Lemon received several targets, including a play-action pass from Jalen Hurts that he missed and a later catch on a rolling play. He ran motion and slot routes, earning first-team reps. DeVonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks, and Lemon were the top three receivers in drills, with Wicks noted for a sideline catch that could secure the No. 2 role.
Defensively, Moro Ojomo recorded two sacks on Hurts, and Jalyx Hunt added a sack and a tackle for loss. On offense, the line featured Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen, and Lane Johnson as starters, with Saquon Barkley logging strong runs aided by tight end Dallas Goedert’s lead-blocking.
Why It Matters / Impact
Lemon’s full return adds depth to the receiving corps, giving quarterback Jalen Hurts another reliable slot option. His participation shows the team’s intent to integrate the rookie into the offense early, while the health of other receivers, especially Smith, remains crucial for quarterback-receiver chemistry.
What’s Next
The Eagles will hold their only public practice of the summer on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field. A closed walkthrough follows on Thursday, and a final preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals is slated for later in the week. Lemon’s role will be reassessed ahead of those events.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No source has confirmed whether Lemon will be active for the preseason finale versus the Bengals, leaving his exact game-day status uncertain.
