The Eagles are just days away from their first game of the 2026 NFL regular season, and head coach Nick Sirianni spoke to reporters before practice on Wednesday. He talked about DeVonta Smith as a captain, what he likes from OL coach Chris Kuper and what advice he gave to OC Sean Mannion.
He is notorious for keeping any perceived competitive advantage close to the vest, and that continues with him explaining he still has time before he needs to reveal who is QB2 behind Jalen Hurts. Sirianni clarified that just because they aren’t revealing who won the backup job, between Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton, doesn’t mean they haven’t made the decision behind closed doors.
Later on, it was brought up that former OC Kevin Patullo shared with Dolphins new head coach Jeff Hafley that the Eagles learned a lot about the Packers defense last season thanks to compiling videos taken from fans at training camp. Sirianni smirked and sarcastically quipped that he was glad that little insight was exposed publicly.
“Obviously they’re not doing that this year, or else they wouldn’t have told everybody about it.”
While he might not like to give much away, just as the head coach was leaving for practice, he did reveal that OC Sean Mannion will “probably be up” in the booth to call plays for the Eagles offense in Week 1 against the Commanders. Mannion tried play-calling from both the sideline and the booth during the preseason — with the OC noting his career experience from the sideline —, but may have found a new vantage point helpful.
Here’s what else Sirianni had to say:
On injured players returning
Sirianni wouldn’t say if Jonathan Greenard would be available for Sunday’s game, and wouldn’t even say if he would be out on the practice field Wednesday. He did explain that everyone who is trying to come back from an injury have been working their butts off to be ready.
“That’s what I always admire about this group, led by our captains and our leaders, is that this team works hard. When you work hard, it’s not just on the practice field, it’s also in the film room, it’s also if you’re having to rehab an injury. [Jonathan Greenard has] worked his butt off — we’ll see where that is by the end of the week.”
He was asked if they had seen enough from Makai Lemon during training camp, despite him missing three weeks, for the rookie to play Week 1. Sirianni said that he has a lot of confidence in the WR room, including Lemon, and they’re excited for what that room collectively will do.
“Yeah, I think everybody is in a different spot when you go through an injury. Maybe he hasn’t had as many reps. I’m really confident in that room, all the guys in that room, including Makai. And excited about that room and the things that it will bring to our football team. I think we have a number of different guys that can make plays in that room and Makai is definitely one of those guys and looking forward to him having opportunities to be able to do that this Sunday and moving forward.”
On Captain DeVonta Smith
“DeVonta [Smith] always leads by example.”
Sirianni went on to say that whether it’s an a walk-through, a practice, or around the facility, there’s never a moment when he’s not working on something to help him be the best version of himself each week.
“I think people notice that. It’s from how [Smith] pre-habs before lifting and before practice, how he rehabs after that, and all the extra things that he does to work his craft of catching the football. He’s just relentless in his approach to getting better and I think that’s so notable.”
The head coach noted that people may talk about whether or not he’s a vocal leader, but he always sees the WR grab guys and try to help them.
“I know DeVonta [Smith] knows that everyone’s success on this team, equals team success, and he’s not threatened by anything there.”
On OL coach Chris Kuper
”I just think he’s a really good teacher. He’s had a ton of experience playing the game, and his experience as a coach — starting off at a low lever, working his way up as a coach, I always admire that. I know the guys value his experience and the way he is as a teacher. So, he’s done a nice job — he’s done a really nice job of coaching these guys and getting them all to understand what the job description in for this offense and for the offensive line. I know the guys respect him, and I’m looking forward to that product being shown on the field Sunday.”
Other notables
- Sirianni said that Saquon Barkley is the kind of talent that can and would be successful in any scheme, and he’s confident that he’ll be able to have a good year in the Eagles’ new system. He couldn’t point to one moment in training camp that made him confident, and said it was rather doing things well consistently that showed development.
- The head coach said his advice to Sean Mannion as he prepares to call plays for the first time in a regular season game, was to have a plan for every situation and be convicted in the decisions he makes on game day. That plan isn’t always perfect and will need adjusted, but the main thing is having a plan for as much as possible. Sirianni said that the pair has been working relentlessly to make sure they’re on the same page and is excited for Mannion’s opportunity.
