Eagles' Makai Lemon Expects to Be in Top Form in Week 1 Despite Hamstring Injury

The Philadelphia Eagles got great news on Monday (8/24), as rookie WR Makai Lemon participated fully in practice for the first time since injuring his hamstring early in training camp.

Lemon sustained the injury on Aug. 3 and missed the next eight practices. He returned in a limited capacity last Wednesday.

Lemon missed minicamp with a hamstring injury as well. He confirmed he injured the same leg in the summer.

"I feel pretty confident [there won't be a reoccurrence]," Lemon said. "Just learning from my mistakes from the previous times, working with the trainers, setting a good plan for me, just being a professional off the field."

Lemon believes he can be in top form for the season opener against the Washington Commanders despite missing time due to his injury. He's been working hard with QB Jalen Hurts to develop chemistry. 

"I feel like that chemistry and that work never stops," Lemon said of building a rapport with Hurts. "Each and every day after practice, just talking to him...I feel like anytime I can build that chemistry, it's good."

Philadelphia moved up to select Lemon 20th overall in April's draft. The USC product caught 79 passes for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Trojans last season. He projects as a starter for the Eagles alongside DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks.  

"Every time I'm able to step on the field I just never take it for granted," Lemon said. "It definitely feels great to be back out here with the guys and getting to work."

Philadelphia won the NFC East last season. However, Hurts and Co. lost to the San Francisco 49ers at home in the wild-card round.

The Eagles traded A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots this offseason. Lemon is expected to have a big role despite being a rookie. 

Hurts finished the 2025 season with 3,224 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, 421 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. He completed 64.8% of his passes. 

The Eagles signed Hurts to a five-year, $255 million extension in April 2023. However, there is little guaranteed money left on Hurts' deal after the 2026 season.

Hurts enters this season with 17,891 passing yards, 110 passing touchdowns, 3,554 rushing yards and 63 rushing touchdowns in his career. He's made the Pro Bowl three times and won Super Bowl LIX MVP against the Kansas City Chiefs.