The reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles kicked off training camp this Tuesday, welcoming both rookies and veterans to the NovaCare Complex.
With high hopes for what lies ahead, the Eagles aim to make their third Super Bowl appearance in four years. But before they can chase the Lombardi Trophy again, players must earn their roles during camp.
Training camp serves as a key proving ground—giving rookies and returning vets a shot to claim a roster spot. Some will shine in practices and preseason games, while others will be released within weeks. In fact, two players saw their time in Philadelphia end before the first practice even began.
Eagles Release KJ Henry, Lew Nichols as Camp Begins
On Tuesday, the team announced the waiving of defensive end KJ Henry and running back Lew Nichols. To bolster the 90-man roster, they’ve brought in veteran pass rusher Ogbo Okoronkwo and defensive tackle Jacob Sykes.
We've signed DE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and DT Jacob Sykes and waived DE KJ Henry and RB Lew Nichols. pic.twitter.com/DKayPWTejq
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) July 22, 2025
It’s no shock that Philadelphia cut ties with those two players, considering the depth they’ve built at defensive line and running back. In Henry’s case, bringing in Ogbo Okoronkwo is a significant upgrade — he can provide valuable rotation behind Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt.
Henry, 26, joined the Eagles late last season after the Cowboys released him on November 23, 2024. Although he’d been a Commanders draft pick, he didn’t play in any games for Philly, only appearing twice each with Dallas and Cincinnati. The Eagles let him go during the playoffs, then re-signed him shortly after and offered him a futures contract in February. Now that he’s been released again at camp’s start, he’ll be free to pursue opportunities elsewhere and fight for a roster spot.
As for Lew Nichols, he was always on the bubble in a backfield full of competition. Philadelphia’s backfield features promising practice-squad candidates like Keilan Robinson, ShunDerrick Powell, and Montrell Johnson Jr., all of whom outshine Nichols in terms of upside. Though Nichols has been with the Eagles since 2023, he still hasn’t seen regular-season action.
Last summer, though, he made his mark in preseason, showing versatility as both a runner and returner — rushing 15 times for 30 yards and a touchdown, catching six passes for 22 yards, and averaging 19.67 yards on three kick returns. At 23 and a former Packers seventh-round pick, Nichols remains young and has another shot. If he doesn’t catch on with a new team this summer, spring-league ball might be the next step — giving him game reps and more film to bolster his resume.