The Philadelphia Eagles are facing a significant challenge on their defensive line as edge rusher Nolan Smith is expected to miss at least the next month due to an aggravated triceps injury, reportedly a flare-up from a tear he sustained during the Super Bowl. The injury setback, confirmed after Wednesday’s practice, has left the team leaning on its offseason acquisitions to fill the void.
Smith, spotted in the locker room post-practice, kept details sparse. When pressed about the triceps injury, he brushed it off with a brief, “Nah, we’re good. Everything’s OK,” before promising to share more on Thursday and exiting the scene. His absence, however, puts immediate pressure on the Eagles’ depth chart, particularly on edge rushers Azeez Ojulari, Ogbo Okoronkwo, and Patrick Johnson, who are now tasked with stepping up.
Ojulari, a veteran who has yet to see the field this season, expressed his hunger to contribute. “Everyone wants to play,” he said. “The veteran in me wants to be out there competing and showing what I can do. Being inactive for the first three games was tough, but I’ll do whatever it takes for the team to win.” His opportunity may have arrived sooner than expected.
Za’Darius Smith Steps Into the Spotlight
Newcomer Za’Darius Smith, signed just two weeks ago, is also poised for a bigger role. After logging 20 snaps in his debut against the Chiefs and 24 against the Rams, Smith is bracing for an increased workload. However, his expanded duties come with a learning curve, as he’s being asked to adapt to unfamiliar tasks like dropping into coverage and playing the 4i technique. “I’m headed home to study the base defense,” Smith said after practice. “I wasn’t expecting to be in these packages so soon, but with Nolan out, it’s time to dive into the full playbook.”
The Eagles’ earlier experiment with Bryce Huff in a similar role didn’t pan out, but Huff has since found success in San Francisco, where he’s notched two sacks and ranks among the top-10 edge rushers per Pro Football Focus. For now, Za’Darius Smith is determined to make the most of his opportunity in Philadelphia, even if it means mastering new responsibilities on the fly.
No Call for Brandon Graham, Trade Rumors Swirl
One name that won’t be stepping in is Brandon Graham. The Eagles have made it clear they’re not reaching out to the retired veteran, quashing any rumors before they gain traction. Graham, for his part, seems content in retirement, leaving the team to rely on its current roster.
With the trade deadline looming, general manager Howie Roseman may explore external options. The 0-3 Miami Dolphins could be a potential trade partner, with Jaelan Phillips as a name to watch, though any deal is likely weeks away.
Teammates Rally to Fill the Gap
Za’Darius Smith remains optimistic about the team’s ability to adapt. “It’s time for guys like Ogbo and Azeez to step up and fill that role until our brother gets back,” he said. “I’m going to get after it either way. It’s just about learning the defense now and being ready for anything.”
As the Eagles prepare for their upcoming games, the focus is clear: lean on the depth, trust the newcomers, and keep the defensive line firing on all cylinders. With Smith sidelined, the stage is set for Philadelphia’s edge rushers to prove their worth.