An early surprise surfaces as the Eagles' look to replace Britain Covey

USA Today

a day ago

It's too early to make real determinations about the Eagles' return game, but let's offer a few theories anyway.
Who knew that a brief practice at Philadelphia Eagles camp could spark so much discussion? Let's be honest; we all knew that.
In MLB news, the Philadelphia Phillies are near baseball's trade deadline, but no one in the City of Brotherly Love or Delaware Valley is ignoring what has gone on at the NovaCare Complex.
Everything is on the discussion table from Jalen Hurts' decision to pack his Super Bowl ring away without wearing it to Jihaad Campbell's surprise workout during the first day of training camp practice to Jalen Carter's shoulder injury and everything in between.
No topic of discussion is too significant or too minor, and that includes Philadelphia's quest to replace its former returner, Britain Covey. The first training camp session of the summer offered a surprise. It was less about who got reps and more about who didn't.
Avery Williams gets zero return reps during the first day of Eagles training camp practice.
As brief as the Eagles' first practice session was, it provided us with much to discuss. Much will change in a week or two, but that won't stop us from narrating every unexpected wrinkle.
Guys are wearing shorts. No one is wearing pads. Physical contact and tackling are off the table, but there was still plenty to take away from Wednesday's session and chew on.
Avery Williams, someone Philadelphia signed with the expectation he'd battle for a returner's role, didn't get any snaps when punt return reps were offered. Instead, according to Philly Voice's Jimmy Kempski, reps were offered to Ainias Smith, Giles Jackson, Taylor Morin, Cooper DeJean, and Jahan Dotson. Kempski also admits to not watching the entire session, but anyone who has been paying attention must admit.
Part of the reason Smith was drafted was to provide Philadelphia with another option as a punt returner. The Eagles quickly evacuated that plan last season. That has much to do with why Avery Williams is on the roster, so seeing him work more specifically as part of the punt coverage does lead one to scratch one's head.
It was only one day, and it's hard to imagine that Williams won't get his shot at some point. Better late than never, maybe. We'll see how things transpire as we progress.
It does beg the question, though. If Philadelphia determines they have so many options that they like better at punt returner, how does Williams stand any shot at making the initial 53-man roster?