🦉 In the nest | Sports Daily Newsletter

Imagine walking away from a sport that’s been a big part of your identity for nearly your whole life.

And not because it’s time to move on, but because years’ worth of injuries have taken their toll.

That’s what Sam Brown had running through his head this past offseason after he was limited to 16 carries for 38 yards at Rutgers. He didn’t want to get hurt again.

But his football story wasn’t over. He found himself poised to be a leader among Temple’s running backs, and, in many ways, he found his way home.

“I’m just grateful for every opportunity I get,” Brown, a La Salle College High School graduate, said. “I just got to keep working and I’ll get what I deserve.”

— Maria McIlwain, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

❓What college football team do you root for and why? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Trea Turner was sporting something new on his left hand in Monday night’s game. But for the closest Phillies observers, the black leather and red stitching might be familiar.

It’s Bryson Stott’s glove. Well, an extra one, anyway. So why is Turner using an extra glove of Stott’s? And is it helping him defensively?

Alec Bohm continued on his hitting tear by driving in two runs and igniting the Phillies’ 6-4 comeback win over the Marlins.

Next: The Phillies wrap up their season series vs. the Marlins tonight (6:05 p.m., NBCSP). Aaron Nola (4-9, 5.33 ERA) will face Miami ace Sandy Alcantara (13-7, 3.43). How’s that for a parting gift?

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman tends to make moves in August. Last season, he acquired four players who ended up on the team’s initial 53-man roster.

That was kind of a lot, but expect Roseman to make headlines as the regular season inches ever closer.

Jeff Neiburg takes a look at moves the Birds could make, starting at quarterback.

Next: The Birds have migrated north for joint practices with the New England Patriots today and Thursday in Foxborough, Mass.

So speaking of those joint practices …

Get ready for the hype train surrounding those practices and the preseason game that follows for plenty of on-field reasons. But there’s one storyline that rises above them all: Jalen Hurts vs. A.J. Brown. Really, it transcends football.

It’s about the life cycle of a friendship, and it’s a villain story. We love a villain.

OK, so who wins in the battle of Jalen vs. A.J.? Mike Sielski takes a look at several factors.

The hoopla that is Lionel Messi’s third season in Major League Soccer will continue at Subaru Park when the Union host Inter Miami tonight (7:30 p.m., Apple TV). But while the stadium is anticipated to be sold out, Union interim manager Ryan Richter said the three he’s most concerned with are taking three points at home against the Herons.

“It’s a league game, and we’re in desperate need of three points,” Richter said. “And that’s how we have to approach it … we are in a moment where the three points are the most important thing.

Still, there is hype not just because of Messi, but because it’ll be another chance to see hometown wunderkind Cavan Sullivan against an MLS team chock-full of star talent.

Speaking of star talent, the Union are planning to return homegrown U.S. national team defender Mark McKenzie to the fold during the next FIFA transfer window in January.

Fun fact: The Union faces Inter Miami with a four-game MLS winning streak on the line. Their last league loss? May 24 against … Inter Miami.

Aug. 19, 2023, looked like it would be a game to forget for Phillies shortstop Trea Turner against his former team. He’d struck out twice against Washington Nationals righty Jake Irvin and added a throwing error that led to a run for good measure.

But once the Phils started teeing off on the Nats’ bullpen, Turner got in on the fun and homered in the eighth inning. Twice.

“Never hit two homers in an inning,” said Turner, typically stoic as he rounds the bases but unable to conceal a smile the second time around. “I’m usually the guy that makes two outs in those innings. There’s always one of those guys. It feels like it’s usually me.”

Scott Lauber had the story from that game three years ago today.

What number did Eagles defensive legend Reggie White wear in his rookie season?

Answer: C: 91. White wore No. 91 during his rookie season and switched to his unmistakable No. 92 the following year.

We asked: Who’s the most important piece on the Eagles’ offense?

It’s always the QB. If Hurts has a good season, so will the Birds. If he’s mediocre, the team will follow suit.The QB sets the tone and everyone else follows. — Tom G.

The most important piece of the Eagles offense is the defense leading the league in turnovers. GO BIRDS! — Ronald R.

I would say the quarterback if that doesn’t work out than your team cant work — Charles G.

The easy answer is the QB, who handles the ball on each snap, however the right answer is the offensive line, who provides pass protection and opens up running lanes. Historically, production has been down significantly when Lane Johnson has been out with injuries. Keeping that group healthy and finding Lane’s replacement will be a key to the Eagles near-term and long-term success. — Bob C.

The offensive line is the heart of the Eagles offense. Last year’s aging and oft injured line failed to even come close to what they provided for Hurts and the running backs the previous year. Quarterbacks need time and running backs need openings and without them Mannion’s new offense won’t be any different than Patullo’s last year. — Everett S.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Mike Livingston, Lochlahn March, Jeff Neiburg, Mike Sielski, Jonathan Tannenwald, Kerith Gabriel, Scott Lauber, Becca O’Reilly, Lauren Jones, and Conor Smith.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thanks for reading along! I’ll be back in your inboxes tomorrow morning with more of the best stories in Philly sports! — Maria