The Philadelphia Eagles are soaring into Week 4 with an undefeated 3-0 record, but their upcoming clash against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is shaping up to be a critical test. With a trio of players—OLB Nolan Smith, CB Jakorian Bennett, and WR Darius Cooper—recently placed on Injured Reserve, the Eagles’ depth is already under scrutiny. Adding to the concern, Wednesday’s practice saw two key linebackers, Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell, listed as non-participants, raising alarms about the team’s defensive core as they prepare for a formidable Bucs squad.
Zack Baun, a standout linebacker and 2024 All-Pro, was marked as a DNP (Did Not Participate) in Wednesday’s practice, spotted wearing a brace on his left leg. Despite the concerning optics, Baun brushed off worries, telling PHLY Sports’ Eagles beat reporter EJ Smith that he’s “good.” His confidence suggests the Eagles may be taking a cautious approach, potentially preserving their star for Sunday’s showdown. However, with the severity and origin of Baun’s knee injury still unclear, fans and analysts alike are left wondering if he’ll be ready to anchor the defense.
Baun’s importance to the Eagles cannot be overstated. Leading all Eagles linebackers with 187 total snaps—playing every single defensive snap across the first three games—he’s been a force in the middle of the field. His stat line is equally impressive: tied for the team lead with 22 tackles, one tackle for loss, three pass deflections, and an interception. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Baun boasts an 88.8 overall grade (6th among 123 graded linebackers), with a 71.3 run defense grade (38th) and an 80.7 coverage grade (10th). These numbers highlight his versatility and impact, making his potential availability against Tampa Bay a game-changer.
While Baun’s comments offer hope, the Eagles face additional uncertainty with linebacker Jihaad Campbell also sidelined on Wednesday due to a triceps issue. The prospect of missing their top two linebackers in Week 4 is daunting, especially against a Tampa Bay team that has dominated Philadelphia in recent years. The Eagles are 1-4 against the Bucs in the Nick Sirianni era, a stat that underscores the challenge ahead, even with Tampa potentially missing key players like Tristan Wirfs, Chris Godwin, and Mike Evans.
Baun’s “I’m good” mantra is reassuring but must be taken with skepticism. Athletes often downplay injuries, driven by a competitive urge to play through pain. Whether Baun suits up will likely hinge on the team’s medical staff, who will assess the risk of further injury. The next few days of practice will be crucial in determining his status, and Eagles fans will be watching closely for updates.
As Philadelphia prepares to travel to Tampa Bay, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A win could flip the narrative of their recent struggles against the Bucs and solidify their early-season dominance. Baun’s potential return would provide a massive boost, given his ability to disrupt both the run and pass games. However, with Campbell’s status also in question, the Eagles may need to lean on their depth and defensive scheme to counter Tampa’s potent offense.
The coming days will reveal whether Baun and Campbell can take the field, but for now, the Eagles remain optimistic. Baun’s confidence, paired with his stellar performance through three weeks, offers a glimmer of hope that Philadelphia’s defense will be ready to rise to the occasion. As the 3-0 Eagles look to keep their perfect record intact, all eyes will be on their linebacker corps—and their ability to overcome adversity in a high-stakes road test.