Eagles Practice Observations: First look at Josh McCown; Ronald Darby in team drills; Clayton Thorson confidence growing

The Eagles had practice on Sunday and while training camp is officially over, they opened the workout to reporters on the eve of scrimmages with the Ravens Monday and Tuesday. Here are my observations from the practice (And my reports from camp days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15):

1. Josh McCown participated in his first practice. The new Eagles quarterback met with reporters before the workout and admitted that it may take some time to learn Doug Pederson’s offensive scheme. He said there were some intricacies that were new to him, even in his 18th year. My guess is that he’ll only play Thursday night against the Ravens if necessary. He took a small number of snaps Sunday. McCown did most of his work during 7-on-7 drills but had a handful of plays in team drills. Nothing really stood out, but he certainly looked the part. McCown has good size (6-foot-4, 200 pounds) and throws a decent ball.

2. The Eagles held a light 10-10-10 session. Carson Wentz threw for the first time since before Thursday night’s game in Jacksonville. Joint practices with Baltimore on Monday and Tuesday will be his first opportunity to throw against another defense this preseason. It’ll probably be his only chance as Pederson is likely to sit the starting quarterback until the season opener. Wentz dropped a deep ball into the hands of Mack Hollins’ bucket, but the wide receiver couldn’t make the grab. Hollins is still clearly working his way back following last year’s groin surgeries, but has yet to do anything that has stood out. I still think he makes the roster as the team is likely to be patient with the former fourth-round draft pick. Wentz had great touch on his downfield throws. It is the one area I think he’s struggled some in camp, but clearly the work is paying off. He floated a dime to running back Josh Adams on a wheel route. Wentz also laid a beauty out to the streaking-down-the-sideline DeSean Jackson, but the receiver bobbled it right into the hands of safety Deiondre’ Hall. Wentz did short-arm a pass to tight end Zach Ertz that linebacker L.J. Fort should have probably pulled in for a pick.

3. It’s amazing what a little confidence can do for a quarterback. Clayton Thorson had one of his better practices after his much-improved preseason performance against the Jaguars. With Nate Sudfeld (broken wrist) and Cody Kessler (concussion) out and McCown limited, the rookie took a lot of snaps with the second-unit offense and all the snaps with the scout team. He tossed a wobbler over the deep-post-running Marken Michel that was nowhere in his vicinity. But Thorson strung together two 15- to 20-yard outs and had several other accurate throws downfield. He hit Alex Ellis late in practice, but the ball deflected off the tight end to linebacker Asantay Brown. Thorson’s last toss was a nice fade to receiver Carlton Agudosi over cornerback Orlando Scandrick.

4. Ronald Darby participated in some team drills for the first time this summer. He took Sidney Jones’ spot opposite Rasul Douglas. I’m not sure if that means Douglas is ahead of Jones on the depth chart. Jim Schwartz may just want to keep his corners on their respective sides, and Darby typically plays on the left. The following injured players who have yet to make full returns, along with Darby, partook in all or part of team drills: running back Corey Clement, defensive end Derek Barnett, and safety Rodney McLeod.

Defensive end Josh Sweat missed practice with a knee injury. The Eagles listed him as day to day. Tight end Richard Rodgers (knee) and defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (concussion) returned to practice. Defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (foot), linebacker Nigel Bradham (foot) and guard Brandon Brooks (Achilles) did some individual work. Cox rehabbed indoors last week. Kessler, Sudfeld and cornerback Jalen Mills (foot) watched practice. Tackle Lane Johnson (knee), tight end Dallas Goedert and linebacker Paul Worrilow (knee) missed practice.

5. And a few leftovers … Receiver Nelson Agholor caught a ball in the flat late in the practice and appeared to injure his left hand. He walked off but didn’t return. … Joint practices with the Ravens will be in full pads, but there won’t be tackling. Pederson said the workouts will last approximately two hours.