A pair of young Eagles have the most to gain with Bryce Huff on the shelf

The Philadelphia Eagles have lost Bryce Huff for an extended period. To his credit, he battled through injury as of late and even played with a cast, but the decision was finally made that he'd undergo surgery. His procedure was taken care of this week.

After joining The Birds this season as an unrestricted free-agent acquisition, he has fallen short of the expectations set for him. In his first ten games with the Birds, he tallied ten tackles, including three for a loss, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and four quarterback hits.

Philly announced roster decisions on the Friday leading up to their Week 12 game vs. the Los Angeles Rams. They officially placed Huff on their injured reserve.

Huff's absence means the depth chart will be shuffled. This also means the door opens for some other guys to step up, particularly a pair of young up-and-coming pass rushers. Can they step out of the shadows and shine?

Nolan Smith

Nolan Smith had a quiet rookie year, playing in just 16 percent of defensive snaps. He has seen an increased role in year two thanks in part to Haason Reddick's exit.

Now, with Huff's leave, Smith will be leaned on even more.

Since the Eagles' bye week, the former Georgia Bulldogs star has recorded 3.5 sacks. That ties him with Jalen Carter for the second-highest total on Philly's defense. In that time, Smith has also had the 15th-highest pass rush win rate among edge rushers.

There is clear talent here, and it has been tucked away as Huff was given every opportunity to perform. Allowing Smith to take on a larger role may be just what the Eagles need.

Jalyx Hunt

Philly's rookie class has excelled. Now, it may be time to get to know another of them. Might the Eagles' defense entertain the idea of giving Jalyx Hunt more on-field time? We're certain he'll put on a show.

The third-round NFL Draft selection celebrated his first career sack in Week 6 against an NFC East rival, the New York Giants. In Week 10 against the Cowboys, he played a season-high 25 snaps.

Hunt is currently the low man on the totem pole. This could allow him the space needed to grow and excel. With Huff on Philly's IR, Hunt can get some experience (and learn from Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat).

The Birds entered Week 12 as the NFL's No. 1 ranked defense. They visit the Rams on Sunday for a primetime affair. Smith and Hunt may earn their opportunity to put on a show on national television under the bright lights.

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