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Makai Lemon’s Preseason Debut Raises Questions About Rookie Readiness

A mixed first game with a drop-turned interception and a muffed punt has left the Eagles weighing his role before the regular season.

Overview

  • In the preseason finale at Lincoln Financial Field, Lemon was targeted five times and finished with three catches for three yards while also letting a pass slip through his hands for an interception and mishandling a punt.
  • Lemon publicly accepted responsibility for the drop that became the interception, saying the ball hit his hands and he needed to catch it.
  • The rookie missed significant offseason and training-camp reps with a recurring hamstring injury which limited his live work and time building timing with starter Jalen Hurts.
  • Coach Nick Sirianni called the result part of a development process and said the team will continue to evaluate Lemon as he works through ups and downs.
  • Lemon’s uneven debut increases short-term pressure in a crowded receiving room where teammates such as Darius Cooper and Elijah Moore are seen as more ready for early snaps and the Eagles’ Week 1 rotation remains undecided.