It was the news many Philadelphia Eagles fans were expecting, but edge rusher Jonathan Greenard will not be making his debut with the team in Week 1 against the Washington Commanders.
The Eagles released their final injury report for Week 1, with Greenard being the only one ruled out of the game with a pectoral injury. Rookie tight end Eli Stowers was also on the report, but he was listed as questionable and told reporters that he expects to play.
Greenard suffered his pectoral injury in a freak accident while lifting weights. That kept him out of training camp, but he recently returned to practice to work his way back.
Jonathan Greenard's absence from Eagles in Week 1 isn't the end of the world
It's not a great look to have someone who the team spent $100 million on to make their first game. For Eagles fans, it is frustrating, but there's no reason to go running straight to the panic button.
This Eagles team is still loaded on defense and will be able to handle the pressure of not having a Pro Bowl edge rusher on the field. That's because the Eagles already have a really solid group of pass rushers they can rely on.
Jalyx Hunt is coming off his career best season after leading the Eagles in sacks (6.5) and interceptions (three) in 2025. Hunt had a terrific training camp that had New England Patriots people calling him a problem.
Despite some rough off the field issues with Nolan Smith Jr., he's still got the talent to be a great pass rusher for the Eagles. A triceps injury cost him four games and only produced three sacks, but after getting his fifth-year option picked up on his rookie deal, Smith could have some extra motivation to play well.
Philly also has strong depth at edge rusher that should take pressure off Hunt and Smith. A.J. Epenesa and Arnold Ebiketie are both veterans who have played at a high level and can step in the rotation to help.
Read more: Saquon Barkley's past with Commanders can crush narrative on Eagles' offense
Even without Greenard on the field for Week 1, the Eagles are still more than capable of beating the Commanders. The Eagles would love to have him on the field, but Hunt and Smith are good enough that they can make the Philly fan base forget about Greenard for one Sunday.
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