Patriots receiver Jakobi Meyers, shown in minicamp with an odd number, has become a reliable target thus far in camp and in joint pracatices like the sessions this week in Philadelphia. (AP photo)

It’s Jakobi’s job now.

Now with Julian Edelman, the New England Patriots’ go-to, big play, possession receiver all rolled into one retired, could Jakobi Meyers be the heir apparent?

So far it looks that way.

“What I admired about Jules is he played with no fear,” Meyers said Tuesday after the second of two joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles leading up to Thursday night’s preseason game in Philadelphia. “It didn’t matter what situation you throw him into, he’s going to go make that play. Just trying to emulate that honestly.

“Not trying to be exactly like him, but he kind of set the standard for me last year as far as toughness. Just come out every day and match that intensity.”

That’s why Meyers, who seems much more expressive than he was as a rookie free agent two years ago, takes things day by day, including these two practices.

“It’s a building block,” Meyers said. “It’s never as good as you think it is, it’s never as bad as you think it is. We’re not going to get too gassed up, we’re going to learn from it, keep trying to get better every day and keep building off of that.

“I know I’m going to get hit when they throw the ball,” Meyers said. “Just try to catch it and hold on for dear life. .. This all is a learning opportunity. Just trying to get as much information as I can and soak it all in.

BELICHICK: DON’T READ INTO PAIRINGS

Patirots coach Bill Belichick said not to read too much into who is playing with whom, especially quarterbacks Cam Newton and Mac Jones.

“We’ve told all the players from back in May when we started, which is the absolute truth, is not to spend a lot of time worrying about who else is out there with you,” Belichick said. “Worry about what you’re doing and try to get it right. I think that’s the most important thing for each and every one of us is if we would focus on what our job is, how to do it well, how to do it better, how to improve on it. ….

“I think it’s more important for the offensive linemen to play with the offensive linemen than it is for the quarterback to play with the offensive line. The same on defense.”

WORKING ON KEY SITUATIONS

Belichick said the

“Play that are critical, game-winning or changing plays, you want to make sure you are good on those,” Belichick said. “…Whether it’s a two-minute drive, an onside kick, a last punt of the game, whatever happens, those critical plays you want to make sure you can execute them as well as possible.”

WINOVICH HAS WORK TO DO

Linebacker/edge rusher Chase Winovich is off the Physically Unable to Perform list but Belichick said the team will get him acclimated as fast as they can.

“Well, wright now Chase needs to just start to get his reps back on the field, and we’ll bring him back,” Belichick said. “He has rehabbed. He has been cleared to practice. He is off PUP, we’ll just take it day by day. Depending on what we are doing that day and so forth, work him into areas that we feel like he’s ready for. Obviously he needs to work in every area becasue he hasn’t done much.”

EAGLES SMITH CONTINUES SOME DRILL WORK

Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith participated in some team drills at Tuesday’s practice, continuing his return from a knee sprain.

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner’s status is still uncertain for Thursday night’s preseason game against New England. Smith got hurt two weeks ago in what he called a “freak” injury when a defender fell on him.

“I’m excited. I feel good,” Smith said Smith. “Just coming in every day, just taking it day by day, step by step, continuing to get more comfortable with it.”

The Eagles moved up two spots in the first round to select Smith with the No. 10 overall pick. He had 117 catches for 1,856 yards and 20 touchdowns as a senior at Alabama, becoming the first receiver to win the Heisman in 29 years.

“I just want to keep getting better and better,” Smith said. “Working with the guys, growing with the guys, that’s what it’s all about.”

(Material from the Associated Press was used in this report)