Eagles Pro Bowl WR returns punt at practice
Could Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Brown return kicks for the Eagles in 2023? If the latest training camp video is any indication, special teams could be getting an upgrade.
In a video from JAKIB Sports John McMullen, the team's leading receiver is seen fielding a punt during the latest practice. Of course, Brown was probably just having some fun between drills, but backup tight end Grant Calcaterra can be seen blocking downfield, which could mean Brown’s rep was part of a regular drill.
Brown hasn’t returned a punt in his NFL career, but he did return an onside kick for 42 yards and a touchdown in 2020 as a member of the Titans. During his sophomore year at Ole Miss, he returned eight punts for 47 yards and one kickoff for three yards.
Those numbers aren’t great, but Philadelphia’s 2022 return numbers were average at best.
Last year third-string running back Boston Scott led the team with 27.1 yards per return on kickoffs while wide receiver Britain Covey handled all but two punts with a 9.3 yard average.
Scott didn’t have enough returns to qualify, but Covey’s average ranked 17th among eligible returners. Against the Commanders last year, head coach Nick Sirianni used wide receiver DeVonta Smith for two punt returns, but at 170 pounds (allegedly), he’s not someone the team wants to put in harm’s way.
On the other hand, Brown is 6-foot-1 and 226 pounds. He’s perfectly built to return kicks if that’s what he wants to do, but ultimately it’s up to the team, not Brown, to decide if he plays on special teams. Regardless of what’s on the video, the team will likely keep Scott on kickoffs and Covey on punts.
That’s probably for the best, but with Brown’s skill set it’s not hard to imagine him returning kicks in a regular-season game. Fans would love to see it, but it will take more than a few preseason reps to convince the coaching staff.
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