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John Metchie III's potential role with Eagles revealed at training camp
Houston Texans v Minnesota Vikings - NFL Preseason 2025 Adam Bettcher/GettyImages

And just like that, the John Metchie III era in Philadelphia has begun with Eagles fans getting their first glimpse of the receiver.

During Tuesday's practice, Metchie made his first appearance in an Eagles uniform since the team traded for him with the Houston Texans on Sunday. Bleeding Green Nation reporter Brandon Lee Gowton detailed how Metchie looked and what he did during the practice.

"JM3 missed yesterday morning’s practice since the trade between the Eagles and Houston Texans wasn’t made official until later in the afternoon.

It didn’t take long for Metchie to get involved on Tuesday. After taking part in 1-on-1s, he saw multiple targets from Kyle McCord while running with the second-team offense in team drills. Metchie caught the first pass that came his way for a good gain over the middle but then he dropped the ball that was thrown to him on a slant. Metchie later saw first-team reps; he was open for a short gain after running across the formation in pre-snap motion.

Metchie also took some punt returner reps (along with Ainas Smith, Jahan Dotson, and Cooper DeJean) despite not having significant experience in that role."

Metchie could be more than a pass catcher for the Eagles

The special teams part for Metchie taking returns on the punt team is an interesting decision. He has never taken a punt back before in his NFL career, but could be a good spot for him to use his quick feet to make decisions on where to return the ball.

For a first practice, it sounds like Metchie did decently well. There's bound to be drops and mistakes as he is trying to learn the offense quickly and get ready for Friday night's game against the New York Jets.

It appears as though he won't be with the starters right away, as he may need time to adjust. Darius Cooper is finding himself with a bigger role in the receivers' room with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith out with injuries right now. Johnny Wilson also suffered what looked like a serious injury at Tuesday's practice.

Metchie will be worth monitoring throughout the week, but Eagles fans won't know what they will get out of the young receiver until Friday. Eagles offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo mentioned in his press conference that Metchie should have an easier time learning the offense, given that all his former Alabama teammates will be able to help him out.

Let's hope he can catch on quicker than Jahan Dotson did last year.


This article first appeared on Inside the Iggles and was syndicated with permission.

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