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Eagles Rookie Makai Lemon Sits Out Team Drills and Exits First Padded Practice

His unexplained absence creates a short-term availability question that will be watched for its impact on his bid to earn playing time.

Overview

  • The Eagles used the No. 20 pick on Makai Lemon in the 2026 draft and he entered training camp trying to move quickly into the receiver rotation.
  • Lemon missed portions of spring OTAs and all of minicamp with a hamstring issue and has said his hamstring recovery is fine after returning for summer workouts.
  • He worked with Jalen Hurts during organized summer sessions to build timing and chemistry that the team views as helpful to his transition.
  • Multiple outlets reported that Lemon took part in individual drills but did not participate in team periods and left the first padded practice early without appearing on the Eagles’ pre-practice injury report.
  • Coaches and reporters describe early camp impressions as mixed and Lemon faces heavy competition in a receiver room led by DeVonta Smith, so his next padded practices and preseason games will determine whether he earns trust and consistent snaps.