The Philadelphia Eagles have suffered a significant defensive setback just before their highly anticipated season opener, with offseason addition Jonathan Greenard officially ruled out of Sunday’s matchup against the Washington Commanders.
Greenard had been trending toward a potential return after finally getting back on the practice field this week, but the Eagles ultimately decided not to rush their prized edge rusher. The 29-year-old has been dealing with a pectoral strain that sidelined him throughout training camp, and despite participating on a limited basis Wednesday through Friday, he was unable to clear the final hurdle for Sunday’s game.
The timing is particularly notable because Greenard was brought to Philadelphia to become a major piece of Vic Fangio’s defensive front. The Eagles acquired him from Minnesota during the offseason and subsequently gave him a four-year, $100 million extension, making clear how important they believe he can be to the team’s pass rush.
Eagles will have to adjust immediately
Greenard’s absence means Philadelphia will begin the season without one of the most important additions to its defense. The Eagles had hoped to unleash a deep rotation of edge rushers, but the coaching staff will now have to lean more heavily on players who were already expected to have significant roles.
Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt are expected to take on starting responsibilities in Greenard’s absence, while A.J. Epenesa and Arnold Ebiketie provide additional depth for the rotation. Fangio has already discussed the possibility of rotating his edge rushers, giving Philadelphia several options for compensating for Greenard’s absence.
The situation could have been considerably worse. Greenard did not require surgery for the injury and indicated earlier in the week that he believed his return was getting close. The Eagles also avoided placing him on the reserve/PUP list, an indication that the organization expects him to return relatively early in the season rather than face an extended absence.
Washington matchup makes the absence intriguing
Greenard’s absence comes against a Washington team that will already be dealing with its own offensive-line concerns. Commanders left tackle Laremy Tunsil is on injured reserve, while Washington also has other defensive and offensive players dealing with roster absences.
That makes Greenard’s absence especially interesting. Philadelphia would have had an opportunity to attack a potentially vulnerable Washington offensive line with one of its premier pass rushers. Instead, the Eagles will need their remaining edge defenders to create pressure without their expensive offseason addition.
Fortunately for Philadelphia, the defensive front remains one of the deepest areas of the roster. Jalyx Hunt reportedly had an impressive training camp, while Nolan Smith finished strongly. The Eagles also have veterans such as Epenesa and Ebiketie available to keep the rotation fresh.
The bigger concern is Greenard’s long-term health
Philadelphia’s decision not to rush Greenard could ultimately prove wise. The Eagles are thinking beyond one game, and risking a setback with a player who missed the entire preseason would make little sense.
Greenard himself expressed optimism earlier in the week, saying he felt good and suggesting that his return was approaching. However, he also acknowledged that he was not yet completely back to full health. That appears to have influenced the Eagles’ decision to hold him out of the opener.
The organization will now be hoping that one missed game is all this becomes. If Greenard can return in the coming weeks without experiencing a setback, the Eagles could eventually benefit from having him join an already talented defensive front.
Eagles still have plenty of defensive firepower
Despite the setback, Philadelphia is not entering the opener without defensive weapons. Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis remain major pieces inside, while the Eagles have considerable depth along the edge and in the secondary.
The bigger challenge will be maintaining the pressure that Greenard was expected to provide. Philadelphia cannot afford to allow opposing quarterbacks to sit comfortably in the pocket, particularly as the team begins a season with significant changes elsewhere on the roster.
Greenard’s absence therefore creates an immediate test for Fangio’s defense. The Eagles will have to prove that their depth can compensate for one of their biggest offseason additions being unavailable.
For Philadelphia, the message is clear: Greenard’s Week 1 absence is a blow, but it does not have to become a crisis. If Hunt, Smith, Epenesa and Ebiketie can collectively fill the void while Greenard continues his recovery, the Eagles could emerge from the opener without significant damage.
But the pressure will be on immediately. With expectations high and the Commanders standing between Philadelphia and a winning start, the Eagles will find out very quickly whether their vaunted defensive depth is capable of absorbing the loss of their major offseason addition.
Leave a Reply